Spirit AeroSystems, a key supplier for Boeing, is laying off approximately 450 workers at its Wichita, Kansas plant due to a slowdown in production following an incident in January where a panel flew off a Boeing 737 Max airplane operated by Alaska Airlines during a flight.
The layoffs will reduce Spirit’s workforce from just over 13,000 employees.
As Boeing’s most important supplier for the 737s, Spirit manufactures the fuselages and installs door plugs, including the one that detached from the plane during the midair incident. However, it remains unclear whether Spirit or Boeing employees were the last to handle the panel before the incident occurred.
“The recent slowdown in the delivery rate on commercial programs compels a reduction to our workforce in Wichita,” Spirit spokesman Joe Buccino said.
The layoffs come amidst ongoing talks between Boeing and Spirit regarding a potential acquisition, which would reverse Boeing’s long-standing strategy of outsourcing key work on its passenger planes. This approach has faced criticism after problems at Spirit disrupted the production and delivery of popular Boeing jetliners, such as the 737s and 787s.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union expressed concern over the layoffs and pledged to assist workers who lose their jobs in the coming weeks.
“Together, we will continue to work to protect the strength of the aerospace industry in Wichita and ensure our members receive the assistance and resources they need to overcome this challenge and emerge stronger,” the union said in a statement.
The layoffs at Spirit AeroSystems highlight the ongoing challenges faced by the aerospace industry, as well as the potential consequences of outsourcing critical components in the manufacturing process.
As Boeing and Spirit navigate this difficult period, the impact on the workforce and the industry as a whole remains a significant concern.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.