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Impact of Layoffs at Spirit AeroSystems
Spirit AeroSystems, the fuselage supplier responsible for the Boeing 737 Max aircraft, is facing upcoming layoffs that could affect as many as 450 workers, as reported by local news outlet KSN. The decision to downsize the workforce comes as a response to the current slowdown in delivery rates for commercial programs, which necessitates aligning operations with customer demands.
The company, which counts Boeing as its biggest client, with Boeing contributing 64% of its total revenue, has been under scrutiny following a recent incident involving a 737 Max 9 plane. In January, an Alaska Airlines flight experienced a door plug blowout, leading to an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.
Root Cause Analysis
The investigation revealed that the fuselage built by Spirit AeroSystems was at the center of the issue. During repair work on the plane’s fuselage at a Boeing facility in Washington state, it was discovered that crucial bolts had not been reinstalled following transportation from Spirit’s Wichita plant. This oversight highlighted potential gaps in quality control processes between the two companies.
In light of this incident, Boeing has been in discussions to acquire Spirit AeroSystems, a move aimed at streamlining production processes and addressing concerns related to incomplete or defective fuselages moving down the production line. Boeing’s CEO, Dave Calhoun, emphasized the importance of eliminating “traveled work” practices to ensure product integrity and safety.
Workforce Statistics
According to Spirit’s most recent annual report, the company had a total of 20,655 employees as of December 31, with the majority based in the United States. Of these employees, 12,590 were located in Wichita, underscoring the significance of the aerospace industry in the region and the potential impact of layoffs on the local workforce.
As Spirit AeroSystems navigates through these challenging times, the aerospace community will be closely watching how the company and its stakeholders address the underlying issues that have led to this workforce reduction and strive to uphold industry standards for aviation safety and quality.
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