Huge job cuts at Boeing

BOEING is to axe approximately 4,500 jobs from its Commercial Airplanes business unit in 2009 because of the weakening global economy.

The cuts will bring Commercial Airplanes’ employment to approximately 63,500, similar to the level it was at the start of 2008.

“We are taking prudent actions to make sure Boeing remains well positioned in today’s difficult economic environment,” said Scott Carson (right), president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

“We regret the disruption to those affected by this decision, but we believe that acting now will allow us to be in a financial position to adapt to market uncertainties, meet our customer commitments, continue investing in our current and future product lines, and protect our competitiveness in a fiercely competitive business environment,” said Carson.

US employers cut 2.6 million posts and 524,000 in December alone.