Boeing is to resume commercial aircraft production in Washington state next week after suspending operations last month due to the coronavirus pandemic.
About 27,000 Boeing workers in the Puget Sound area will return to production of the 747, 767, 777 and 787 jet programmes.
Employees in the Puget Sound for the 747, 767 and 777 will return on April 20, while employees on the 787 programme will return on April 23 or April 24.
In January, Boeing stopped production of the 737 MAX after two fatal crashes in five months. Employees on the 737 programme in Puget Sound are also resuming work on April 20 as they aim to restart MAX production, the company said.
Boeing, which said around 200 employees globally have tested positive for the coronavirus, has implemented a series of safeguards including staggering shift start times, adding floor markings and signage to provide social distancing and requiring face coverings for employees at company sites in Washington.
Boeing is also asking employees to perform self-health checks before coming to work and to stay home if sick. It will conduct employee wellness checks before every shift and voluntary temperature screening at many manufacturing locations.
A Boeing spokesman did not disclose whether the company would seek government assistance.
Last week, Boeing suspended production of its 787 aircraft at its facilities in South Carolina.
On Tuesday the company reported another 75 cancellations for its 737 MAX in March.
Boeing’s 50 planes delivered in the first three months of the year were the lowest since 1984 for the first quarter.
By: Ramla Soni
Source: www.capital.com
