Cessna has axed a quarter of the workforce at its single-engine piston aircraft factory because sales have been hit by the slowing US economy.
The manufacturer has laid off 250 of the 1,000 employees at its Independence, Kansas, plant, which was opened in 1996 when it resumed piston-single production after a decade-long hiatus.
Cessna says orders have not kept pace with production. Cessna had planned to build 1,100 light aircraft this year, but now expects to produce around 900 - the same as last year. If the market does not pick up, the company could build as few as 750 piston singles next year.
Although demand for aircraft from flight schools renewing their fleets is holding up because of a growing pilot shortage, Cessna says most single-piston sales are to individuals, who are cutting spending as the US economy falters.
Wichita, Kansas-based Cessna says the slowdown is affecting all of its single-piston line. Orders for its Citation business jets have slowed "a little", but the company has no plans to adjust production rates.
Neighbouring Bombardier has seen Learjet 31A sales drop off this year and Raytheon Aircraft is expected to reduce production of King Airs and Beechjet 400As.
Source: Flight International
