Spirit AeroSystems Notifies Staff of Furloughs

DALLAS — Yesterday, Spirit AeroSystem’s Chief Financial Officer Irene Esteves addressed staff members regarding upcoming staff furloughs.

The announcement, whose ‘Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements’ is four times as long as the actual notice, comes as a reaction to the continuing strike by Boeing employees represented by the International Association of Machinists (IAM) and Aerospace Workers, which started on September 13, 2024. 

Effective October 28, Spirit will apply a 21-day vacation for about 700 staff members engaged in the 767 and 777 projects. These furloughs complement several other cost-cutting initiatives, including a hiring ban and travel and overtime limitations.

The notice adds that the company does not have space for more storage; it has developed a sizable inventory buffer on the 767 and 777 projects. Spirit warns that if the strike persists beyond November, financial constraints could force it to apply more furloughs and layoffs as part of extra cost-cutting initiatives.

"This difficult step was necessary given our limited storage capacity for 767 and 777 units," said Pat Shanahan, CEO of Spirit AeroSystems. "We recognize the impact this has on our valued teammates and their families, and we are committed to supporting them through this period."

Despite these obstacles, Spirit, which recently came back under Boeing's control, says it is determined to uphold the highest quality and safety standards.

The notice assured the corporation would continue fulfilling its responsibilities to the aerospace sector, authorities, and consumers.