Training and Workforce
Bizav hits the brakes as layoffs reflect slow sales
One OEM called it “an adjustment.” Another referred to it as a “reduction in force.”

One OEM called it “an adjustment.” Another referred to it as a “reduction in force.” Yet another described an “involuntary separation plan.” But by those or any other names, the meaning is the same– “layoffs.” In the past 18 months, business aircraft manufacturers have announced layoffs of more than 9,000 workers and, barring a reversal of the current economic trend, there will be more.

In announcing the latest round of layoffs, this time of 1,980 employees primarily at its Montreal, Toronto and Wichita facilities, Bom- bardier cited a need to match production with a weakening demand for its business jets. The Bombardier decision, revealed early last month, came little more than a year after an announced cut of 3,800 jobs in September last year.