Affects Spirit’s 767 and 777 Widebody Jet Lines

Spirit AeroSystems announced it will be furloughing 700 workers for 21 days as the Boeing strike, now more than a month long, is depleting the supplier’s inventory space and cash.

The furloughs will affect Spirit workers on the Boeing 767 and 777 production lines, as production of those lines was halted at Boeing when 33,000 workers went on strike on September 13.

Spirit has meanwhile implemented other cost-saving measures, including a freeze on hiring and restrictions on travel and overtime.

Spirit said on October 18 it does not have room for any more 767 and 777 fuselages it builds.

Spirit CEO Pat Shanahan said, "We recognize the impact this has on our valued teammates and their families, and we are committed to supporting them through this period.”

Companies who supply Boeing have invested heavily on materials and tooling to support Boeing’s ramp-up of jet production now find themselves furloughing employees and delaying further investments due to the strike.

Spirit AerSystems, based in Wichita, Kansas, added alerts that it may have to lay off and announce additional furloughs if the strike continues past November, according to Spirit spokesman Joe Buccino. Spirit’s losses doubled in the third quarter compared to Q2.

Boeing and its supply chain have endured a series of crises over the past six years including the pandemic years, a grounding of its 737 MAX aircraft, and a door plug blowout in January 2024.

FMI:  https://www.spiritaero.com/