Boeing has announced the layoff of 396 employees across various locations in Washington state, according to a notice filed with the state’s Employment Security Department. This recent round of job cuts is part of a larger workforce reduction initiative announced in October 2024, impacting approximately 10% of Boeing’s global workforce, or around 17,000 jobs. These reductions are being implemented through layoffs and attrition.
This workforce reduction comes as Boeing navigates a complex landscape. The company is striving to revitalize production of its 737 MAX aircraft following a weeks-long strike by over 33,000 workers on the U.S. West Coast. The strike significantly hampered the output of most of Boeing’s commercial aircraft. Simultaneously, the company is addressing its financial challenges and refining its strategic priorities.
Boeing confirmed the layoffs, referencing previous statements outlining the company’s commitment to aligning its workforce size with its current financial situation and a streamlined set of key objectives. In November 2024, Boeing secured a $24.3 billion equity offering aimed at bolstering its financial position and maintaining its investment-grade credit rating.
This recent announcement follows a similar notice in November 2024 detailing the elimination of over 2,500 positions across Washington, Oregon, South Carolina, and Missouri. Washington state, home to Boeing’s largest employee base exceeding 60,000 and the primary production site for its commercial jets, has borne the brunt of these job cuts. The state’s aerospace industry is a major contributor to the local economy, and these layoffs reflect the ongoing challenges facing the sector.
Boeing continues to adapt to evolving market dynamics and internal pressures. The company’s efforts to ramp up 737 MAX production, manage financial pressures, and optimize its workforce underscore the significant challenges and transformations occurring within the aerospace industry.
