Falling Production Rates Will Further Impact Jobs

More layoffs are on the way for workers at Hawker Beechcraft, new company CEO William Boisture Jr. said Tuesday.

In memo sent to workers Tuesday, and obtained by the Wichita Eagle, Boisture writes that further 'work force reductions' will be announced in coming weeks, affecting all pay grades

"No one could have predicted the rapid downturn in the global economy that began last October, nor its very direct impact on the general and business aviation industry," Boisture wrote. "As we begin the second quarter of 2009, we see further erosion of the economy, increasing uncertainty in the marketplace and a continued decline in consumer demand for new aircraft, services and support.

"Preserving our future unfortunately requires taking painful actions now," he added.

As ANN reported, Boisture succeeded former CEO Jim Schuster on March 23. Prior to that date, Hawker Beech had gone through two previous rounds of layoffs since November 2008, affecting nearly 2,800 out of 9,780 jobs companywide.

Boisture did not elaborate on how many jobs would be cut this time around. Company spokeswoman Nicole Alexander also declined to comment past what was outlined in the memo.

The Eagle reports in the past six month, the three major general aviation manufacturers in Wichita -- Hawker Beechcraft, Cessna and Bombardier Learjet -- have culled over 7,500 jobs from their combined ranks... and a new round of layoffs is expected soon at Cessna, as well.

FMI: www.hawkerbeechcraft.com