Offered Severance Packages As Helo Sales Slow Worldwide

Airbus Helicopters has offered its employees working in Lowndes County, MS voluntary severance packages as sales of helicopters slow worldwide.

The Commercial Dispatch reports that Airbus spokesman Bob Cox said in an email that the company is looking to "make adjustments to its staffing levels" by offering the buyouts, and rather than laying workers off, the company has "offered a voluntary severance package that will be attractive to some people."

The offer has also been made to Airbus Helicopter employees in Texas, according to the report.

Those who accept the buyout will end their employment with Airbus Helicopters on December 31, and will receive a package based on current salary and years of service with the company. Cox said while he does not know precisely how many have accepted the offer, he did say that some have agreed to leave on their own. "Not a huge number," Cox said in the email to the Dispatch, "but it's some."

Cox said that there is no specific target for the reduction in force.

Airbus assembles the UH-72A Lakota for the U.S. Army in Columbus, Mississippi. More recently, it began production of the AS350 AStar aircraft at that same facility.

FMI: www.airbushelicopters.com