Aerospace Job Losses: Boeing to Cut 5% of Commercial Workforce

Boeing will lay off 5% of its commercial airplane production staff, a move that affects one of the largest employers in Kansas. The company announced the cuts in an email sent to employees on Monday, November 9.

Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing's commercial airplane division, stated that reductions will begin next month. The changes will include a mix of voluntary attrition and involuntary layoffs. Pope explained that the company needs to slow its production rate ramps to give factories and supply chain partners more time to reach stability.

"Adjusting our production schedules and reducing aircraft output puts us in an overstaffed position," Pope wrote. "Unfortunately, that means we need to align our staffing levels to our revised business plan."

The commercial division employs approximately 50,000 people. However, Boeing Wichita officials sent a separate message to local staff. That message confirmed that employees in Wichita and Tulsa, Oklahoma, are not being considered for layoffs, voluntary separation, or early retirement.

Boeing bought its Wichita facility from Spirit AeroSystems in December 2025. The plant serves as the city's largest employer and holds about 13,000 jobs. Pope acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, noting the impact on families and communities.

The company will support departing employees with career transition services, layoff benefits, and Employee Assistance Program support. During an earnings call last month, executives said Boeing will miss its yearly delivery target for 737 Max jets. CEO Kelly Ortberg cited slow stabilization of production rates and wing production delays in Renton, Washington, as key factors.