On May 27th local time, American aircraft manufacturer Boeing announced that it has resumed production of the 737 MAX at a lower production rate at its Renton plant in Washington.
Boeing implemented a number of initiatives aimed at improving workplace safety and product quality on the 737 MAX project. Walt Odisho, vice president and general manager of the project, said, “We have been continuously developing our production system to make it more powerful. These measures are to create the best production environment for the 737 MAX project.”
Boeing temporarily suspended production of the 737 MAX in January this year.
According to Boeing, during the shutdown period, its mechanics and engineers worked together to perfect and standardize the work package at each location of the plant, and the new installation procedure will ensure employees Master the whole process of producing aircraft.
Scott Stocker, vice president responsible for 737MAX production, said, “The steps we take at the factory will help achieve our goal of providing customers with 100% quality while supporting us Continued commitment to workplace safety. “
It is understood that the 737 MAX plans to gradually increase production this year.
On the same day, Dave Calhoun, president and chief executive officer of Boeing, sent an internal letter to employees mentioning the topic of layoffs.
The internal letter stated that after the company announced the layoffs last month, it has now ended its voluntary layoff plan, and now it is time to start involuntary layoffs, this week The company will notify the 6,770 employees in the US team of being affected.
The internal letter stated that Boeing will provide all support for employees affected by involuntary layoffs, including severance payments, COBRA medical insurance for US employees, and career transition services.
In addition, the internal letter revealed that in addition to the United States, Boeing will also lay off employees in other international regions, which will be communicated locally in accordance with local laws and welfare provisions.
For the reasons for the layoffs, the internal letter stated that the new coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on the aviation industry, which means that in the next few years, customers needThe number of commercial jets and corresponding services will be greatly reduced, so in turn means that Boeing ’s job opportunities will be reduced. Boeing also said that when the company’s customers began to resume business gradually, the company had done its best to predict its demand.
Dave Calhoun said, “I hope there are other ways. For those who are notified, I would like to thank you for your contribution to Boeing, and wish you and Your family is doing well. For those who stay, huge challenges still exist. Maintaining health and safety is the top priority. We must also constantly adjust our business plan until the global new coronavirus pandemic ceases to remain unpredictable Way to sweep our market. All in all, the safety of our products and services will always be the first priority. “
Dave Calhoun also said that the company saw some hope,” Some of our customers reported that the number of bookings exceeded the number of flight cancellations for the first time since the start of the New Corona Virus pandemic. Some countries, including US states, have begun to cautiously reopen the economy. And some parts of our business, especially in defense , Will continue to recruit staff to fulfill customer commitments and fill key skills positions. “
However, he also said that the current signs of recovery do not mean that the global health and economic crisis End. “Our industry will rise again, but it will take several years to return to the level of two months ago.”