Boeing to cut commercial airplane workforce, starting with execs

SEATTLE - The Boeing Co. says it will be eliminating commercial airplane jobs as part of a cost-cutting effort.

The company provided no specific numbers but Doug Alder, spokesman for the aerospace giant, said in a statement Wednesday the company would begin the reductions with executives and managers.

Alder said the reductions would ultimately affect "employment levels across all" of the commercial airplane unit. Attrition and voluntary layoffs would be used at first. However Alder said "involuntary layoffs may be necessary."

Boeing Commercial Airplanes chief executive Ray Conner announced the job action Wednesday in a webcast to all employees, Alder said.

Boeing approached the International Association of Machinists union last week to discuss a voluntary layoff program.