Cessna, Hawker hit by economic setbacks

Cessna has suffered more than 150 order cancellations and deferrals this quarter, while Hawker Beechcraft employees brace for another 150 layoffs this week.

Cessna customers that have dropped orders include NetJets and those who had ordered the now-suspended Columbus business jet, according to a report in Bloomberg News. Textron Chief Executive Officer Lewis Campbell said that the company, which owns Cessna, Bell Helicopter, and other firms, is cutting 8,300 jobs.

Hawker Beechcraft had announced 2,300 layoffs in February, with the latest 150 job reductions affecting mostly salaried positions, The Wichita Eagle reported.