Textron Aviation announces layoffs

The personnel reduction at the manufacturer of Cessna, Beechcraft, and Hawker aircraft “does not affect the company’s direct workforce,” a company spokesperson said.

“As we continue to operate with efficiency, Textron Aviation is reducing some professional positions effective December 31, 2019, the majority of which are located at the company’s headquarters in Wichita, Kansas,” Textron Aviation said in a statement emailed to AOPA on December 5. “The positions impacted are primarily in engineering, and additional business support functions. Last month, Textron Aviation offered a Voluntary Retirement Program (VRP) with limited eligibility for salaried exempt employees only.”

The statement did not disclose the number of “separations” ordered in its engineering and professional support ranks, but said Textron Aviation “remains focused on our long-term strategic workforce plan and will continue hiring as needed for skilled advanced aviation manufacturing positions such as composites, tooling, A&P mechanics, avionics technicians, and other direct manufacturing and customer support jobs.”

According to a company overview, Textron Aviation has more than 12,000 employees worldwide, and has 19 aircraft types in current production, from piston singles to business jets.

The 483-knot Cessna Citation Longitude jet, flagship of its Cessna lineup, recently received its type certificate. 

In October 2018, company veteran Ron Draper took over as president and CEO, noting that Textron Aviation was “on solid footing with a very bright future,” after emerging from a challenging period for the industry.