News
Delays, slow markets spark Bombardier layoffs

Jan. 21, 2014, Montreal – Bombardier is slashing six per cent of its workforce in the Aerospace division.

The Montreal-based company told employees on Tuesday that cuts
are required due to delays in the launch of new planes and tough market
conditions.

Out of the 1,700 employees who will lose their jobs, 1,100 are
in the Montreal region and 600 are in the U.S., mostly in
Wichita, Kansas.

According to a company spokesperson, the layoffs will affect temporary and permanent staff in manufacturing, assembly, engineering, and sales.

The company said it needs to preserve cash amid delays in the CSeries commercial jet and Learjet 85 business jet, as well as due to tough market conditions.

The announcement follows several recent setbacks for Bombardier, which is one of the world's largest aircraft manufacturers.

It announced last week that its new CSeries commercial jet won't be ready for service until the second half of 2015, several months later than its already delayed previous goal.

On Monday, Bombardier said it received 19 per cent fewer new orders for commercial and business aircraft last year than in 2012.