In the wake of layoff rumors, Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita, Kansas, has announced that it will cut between 400 and 450 hourly production workers. This decision has sparked concern among local officials and aviation experts, including Senior Contributing Analyst Bruce McClelland from the Teal Group and Sedgwick County Commissioner Jim Howell.
Commissioner Howell expressed his worries about the potential impact of the layoffs on the local economy. He noted that while Wichita has weathered fluctuations in the aviation industry for years, this sudden change could have far-reaching consequences. He urged residents to remain optimistic and support local businesses as they work through this difficult time.
McClelland also weighed in on the matter, describing the layoff decision as puzzling at a time when the aviation industry is thriving. He speculated that Spirit AeroSystems’ recent acquisition by Boeing could be a contributing factor to its need to reduce costs. He suggested that the company may need to re-hire its workforce in order to meet production goals down the line.
Both Howell and McClelland emphasized the importance of keeping skilled workers in Wichita’s economy. They warned that leaving qualified workers without employment opportunities could lead to further economic challenges down the road.
Despite these concerns, Spirit AeroSystems issued a statement saying that it remains committed to maintaining its presence in Wichita and providing opportunities for its employees. The company plans to hold meetings with affected employees in coming weeks to discuss next steps and provide resources for finding new job opportunities.
