Cessna warns of more layoffs

A sharp downturn in business jet orders in late 2008 has convinced Cessna Aircraft Company officials that more layoffs are required in addition to those announced last year.

Cessna Aircraft Company officials say they will know in the next two weeks how many more workers will be laid off in response to economic conditions. The company saw a sharp downturn in Citation business jet orders at the end of the third quarter of 2008.

Molly McMillin, reporting in The Wichita Eagle, said her sources indicate the layoffs may affect 1,000 workers. Cessna had previously announced the layoff of 665 workers in Wichita and at the Columbia plant in Bend, Ore.

The 2009 production schedule will be revised to reflect the downturn in orders. Once that is done, the company will know how many workers must be laid off. The warning of the pending action came in an e-mail to employees on Jan. 6.

Cancellations and deferrals also added to the downturn in orders. A large order of jets for NetJets, the fractional ownership company, was deferred, The Wichita Eagle reported.