WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – Boeing’s return to Wichita brings stability for many workers, but not everyone will benefit equally, according to economic experts. Spirit Aerosystems was Wichita’s largest employer, with nearly 13,000 people working with the company in Wichita.
Many workers are feeling uneasy about what the acquisition could mean for their jobs. As a supplier-based company, Spirit AeroSystems’ jobs depended heavily on demand from other companies, especially Boeing.
That vulnerability became apparent last fall when Boeing paused plane production. The slowdown immediately impacted parts demand in Wichita and led to furloughs at Spirit.
Production workers expected to see stability
With Boeing back in Wichita, Bekah Selby-Leach, an economist at Wichita State, said that primarily means stability for production workers. However, those in management roles could still see layoffs or be asked to relocate outside Wichita…