Issues Discussed At Wichita Aero Club Round Table

The leaders of Wichita's major aircraft manufacturers say they expect the worst of the job cuts are behind them, but they are not optimistic about growth in 2010. Five executives participated in a round table discussion at the Wichita Aero Club luncheon Wednesday.

The CEO's of Cessna, Hawker Beechcraft, and Spirit Aero Systems were joined by the VP and General Manager of Bombardier, as well as the director of  B-52 and refueling systems for Boeing Wichita for the discussion. While all saw employment staying fairly stable through 2010, most said the do not expect to produce a lot more airplanes.

According to "The Wichita Eagle", Cessna's Jack Pelton said the production rate would be "significantly low" in the coming year. Those sentiments were echoed by David Coleal of Bombardier. "If you look at some of the indicators... there is stability," Coleal said. "But we're not seeing the kind of pick-up we'd like to." HBC's Bill Boisture told the club that he expects production rates to fall, and fewer orders to come through next year.

Scot Oathout from Boeing said a likely cut in military budgets would adversely affect his Wichita operation. Only Jeff Turner from Sprit Aero Systems was somewhat upbeat. He said the jet transport market has apparently not been hit as hard as the GA and business aviation sectors.

All agreed that it could take as long as 18 months before a clear picture of an economic recovery would begin to take shape.

FMI: www.wichitaaeroclub.org