Boeing plans to reduce its workforce by 10%.

It has been reported that the US-based global aerospace company Boeing plans to reduce its workforce by 10%.

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, in a message sent to employees, indicated that the company is in a difficult position and stated that structural changes are necessary to remain competitive in the long term and to serve customers.

DECISION TO CONTINUE PRODUCTION WITH FEWER EMPLOYEES

Ortberg explained that the timeline for the 777X program would be delayed due to challenges encountered in development, flight test pauses, and an ongoing strike, stating that customers have been informed that the first delivery is now expected in 2026. Ortberg mentioned that they plan to produce and deliver the remaining 767 cargo aircraft orders and then complete commercial program production in 2027, while also continuing the production of the KC-46A tanker.

10% OF WORKERS TO BE LAID OFF

Ortberg noted that they need to adjust workforce levels according to priorities, saying, "In the coming months, we plan to reduce the size of our total workforce by approximately 10%. These reductions will affect managers, directors, and employees." Ortberg emphasized that they would be transparent about the timing and impact of these steps. Reports in the US media indicated that 17,000 Boeing employees would be affected by the layoffs. Boeing announced in September that it planned to freeze hiring, halt travel, and suspend non-essential spending to reduce costs after factory workers began their strike.

BOEING EXPERIENCING CRISIS ON TOP OF CRISIS

Boeing announced that as the strike approached its fourth week, it had ended talks with union representatives and withdrew its wage offer to approximately 33,000 factory workers. Boeing and union representatives met with federal mediators for a final round of talks on Monday, and discussions continued yesterday.

"DEMANDS AT AN UNNEGOTIABLE LEVEL"

Sources close to the matter stated that the talks had collapsed and that there were no signs that the parties would reach a compromise anytime soon. Boeing Commercial Airplanes President Stephanie Pope, in a note to employees, described the union's demands as "non-negotiable," stating, "Unfortunately, the union did not seriously consider our offers. At this point, it does not make sense to negotiate further, and our offer has been withdrawn."

INVESTIGATION INTO BOEING 787 DREAMLINER PART SUPPLIERS IN ITALY

According to reports in the Italian media, two aerospace companies operating in the southern city of Brindisi have been investigated by the Brindisi Public Prosecutor's Office for providing parts for Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft that do not meet the required standards. Seven individuals were questioned as part of the investigation, and both companies are under scrutiny.

NON-COMPLIANT COMPONENTS SUPPLIED

It was determined that the aerospace companies based in Brindisi supplied non-compliant components to Leonardo-Aerostrutture for the production of the 787 Dreamliner, particularly for sectors 44 and 46. The non-compliant components were found to be significantly lower in static and stress resistance properties, which could affect flight safety. Under the prosecutor's instructions, approximately 6,000 aircraft parts were seized for qualitative examination. Experts documented the non-compliance of components in some parts. It was claimed that pure titanium was used instead of titanium alloy to form the structural components of the aircraft, and the aluminum alloys used were also different from what was expected. Other reports indicated that the investigation that began yesterday in Brindisi was based on another investigation completed in 2021 regarding the two companies. Many of the world's leading airlines use Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft for long-haul flights.