Seattle, Nov. 11 – Boeing Commercial Airplanes plans to cut 5 percent of its commercial jet workforce as production struggles hinder jetliner output increases. Stephanie Pope, the division’s chief, outlined the decision in an internal memo to employees, emphasizing the need to realign staffing with current operational realities.
Pope stated that, as shared in third-quarter earnings, Boeing must reset the pace of production rate ramps to provide factories and supply chain partners additional time to achieve stability. Adjusting production schedules and reducing aircraft output places the company in an overstaffed position, leading to cuts via attrition and involuntary layoffs, with notices expected in December.
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg indicated the firm would miss 737 jetliner production and delivery targets this year. The planemaker now expects a 737 production rate of 47 jets per month in early 2027 rather than by summer 2026. The 737 remains its single largest cash generator essential for recovery, while efforts to raise 787 widebody output from 8 to 10 jets monthly have also faced challenges.
The Seattle-based commercial airplane division employed 50,494 people as of December 2025, meaning the 5 percent reduction affects approximately 2,500 roles. This workforce adjustment supports Boeing’s efforts to stabilize jet production amid ongoing recovery.