Story ID: 158
Textron Aviation's Covid-19 Response Includes Furloughs
By: Jerry Siebenmark
Caption: The furloughs at Textron Aviation will occur over a roughly 10-week period, beginning March 23 and ending May 29.
Word Count: 222
Textron Aviation will furlough most of its U.S. employees for four weeks in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, adding that it’s also adjusting its production to align with anticipated market demand. Furloughs will be staggered and occur over a roughly 10-week period, beginning March 23 and ending May 29.

“This decision will allow us to do our part in mitigating and containing the spread of the Covid-19 through social distancing, while continuing to support our customers,” the Cessna and Beechcraft airframer said in a statement. “As tough as this situation is, the safety and well-being of our employees and customers remains our top priority.”

Textron officials declined to say if the furloughs were limited to production and non-production employees, or if they extend to workers at the Wichita-based company’s 11 U.S. service centers. In Kansas, the company employs 10,000 people. Other measures the company has taken in response to the pandemic have included limiting large group meetings, increasing daily cleaning of its facilities, restricting travel, and canceling its participation in several global meetings and events.

“This is a rapidly evolving situation and we continue monitoring the guidance of the CDC and local governing health authorities to ensure we are developing the best policies and practices for our company,” Textron Aviation said in its statement.