Bombardier Aviation is to reduce its workforce by approximately 2,500 employees throughout 2020, mostly impacting manufacturing operations in Canada. The company says worldwide customer service operations have largely been uninterrupted throughout the pandemic.
The move is being made to align with current market conditions reflecting the industry interruptions and challenges caused by COVID-19.
When the pandemic first arose, Bombardier Aviation responded by suspending manufacturing operations to support local government efforts to slow the spread of the virus and to protect the health and safety of employees, partners and customers. Guided by health professionals and industry best practices, Bombardier Aviation implemented comprehensive procedures and safeguards over the past month to protect employees and communities as manufacturing operations resumed.
The company says that business jet deliveries, industry-wide, are forecasted to be down approximately 30% year-over-year due to the pandemic, and so it took the difficult decision to adjust its operations and workforce to ensure that it emerges on solid footing.
Bombardier expects to record a special charge of approximately $40m in 2020 for this workforce adjustment.
