Textron Aviation's Covid-19 Response Includes Furloughs

Textron Aviation said it 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 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 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 whether the furloughs were limited to production and non-production employees, or whether they extend to workers at the Wichita, Kansas–based company’s 11 U.S. service centers. In Kansas, the company employs 10,000 people. Other measures Textron 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.