Bombardier Deepens Layoffs

Dec 1, 2009

A dearth of orders has prompted Bombardier to proceed with a cut in regional jet production, a move that will also reduce the manufacturer’s staff levels by an additional 715 employees.

The cuts, which were first intimated at the end of last year, come at the end of a 12-month slump that has produced just one regional jet order for the manufacturer, and that was for the CRJ1000, an aircraft not expected to enter service until early next year.

At the same time, Bombardier has increased regional jet production this fiscal year and expects to deliver 10% more commercial aircraft than it did last year (DAILY, April 3).

“There are not enough projected CRJ aircraft sales to maintain the current production plans,” said Bombardier Aerospace President and Chief Operating Officer Guy Hachey. “Although we are in discussions with several airlines, we had to finalize our aircraft delivery schedule for the next fiscal year.

“We fully recognize the impact this additional work force reduction will have on our affected workers and their families,” he added.

READ MORE:    AviationWeek.com