Wed, Dec 16, 2009
Issues Discussed At Wichita Aero Club Round Table
The leaders of Wichita's major aircraft manufacturers say they
expect the worst of the job cuts are behind them, but they are not
optimistic about growth in 2010. Five executives participated in a
round table discussion at the Wichita Aero Club luncheon
Wednesday.
The CEO's of Cessna, Hawker Beechcraft, and Spirit Aero Systems
were joined by the VP and General Manager of Bombardier, as well as
the director of B-52 and refueling systems for Boeing Wichita
for the discussion. While all saw employment staying fairly stable
through 2010, most said the do not expect to produce a lot more
airplanes.
According to "The Wichita Eagle", Cessna's Jack Pelton said the
production rate would be "significantly low" in the coming year.
Those sentiments were echoed by David Coleal of Bombardier. "If you
look at some of the indicators... there is stability," Coleal said.
"But we're not seeing the kind of pick-up we'd like to." HBC's Bill
Boisture told the club that he expects production rates to fall,
and fewer orders to come through next year.
Scot Oathout from Boeing said a likely cut in military budgets
would adversely affect his Wichita operation. Only Jeff Turner from
Sprit Aero Systems was somewhat upbeat. He said the jet transport
market has apparently not been hit as hard as the GA and business
aviation sectors.
All agreed that it could take as long as 18 months before a
clear picture of an economic recovery would begin to take
shape.
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