Boeing Layoffs in India: Up to 180 Employees Affected as Aerospace Giant Restructures Workforce
Boeing India Engineering Technology Center (BIETC) in Bengaluru has witnessed layoffs affecting up to 180 employees as part of the global downsizing strategy undertaken by the American aerospace giant. This development is in line with Boeing’s efforts to right-size its workforce amidst ongoing financial and economic challenges. Boeing Senior Vice President and President of Boeing Global, Dr. Brendan Nelson, confirmed the layoffs, stating that the company is strategically adjusting its workforce while ensuring that customer service, government support, safety, and quality remain unaffected.
With nearly 7,000 employees in India, most of whom are based at BIETC in Bengaluru and Chennai, Boeing has a significant presence in the country. These centers play a critical role in the company’s global engineering and aerospace advancements. Boeing’s dedicated engineering and technology campus in Bengaluru, inaugurated in January 2024, represents one of the company’s largest investments outside the United States. However, despite these layoffs, Boeing remains committed to expanding in India, selectively increasing its workforce in areas that align with its operational needs and long-term strategies.
Globally, Boeing has undertaken a significant workforce reduction, cutting about 17,000 jobs, which accounts for 10% of its total workforce. This reduction brings the company’s global headcount to 162,000 employees, with approximately 15% located outside the United States. Notably, India continues to be Boeing’s largest footprint outside its home country, with 7,000 employees. When combined with its 320 supply chain partners, the total Boeing-related workforce in India stands at around 14,000.
Despite the layoffs, Boeing views India as a crucial component of its revival strategy. The company is increasing its sourcing from India, aligning with the growing demand for aircraft production. Airlines such as Air India Group and Akasa are eagerly awaiting timely deliveries as Boeing works toward stabilizing its production capabilities. The expectation is that as manufacturing speeds up, Boeing’s workforce in India could see an upward trend again.
Boeing’s President and CEO, Kelly Ortberg, who took over leadership in August 2024 during the company’s turbulent period, has prioritized stabilizing the business, enhancing production efficiency, and reinforcing financial stability. His visit to India as part of his first international trip underscores Boeing’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the country. Ortberg’s positive impressions of India’s workforce, the quality of work, and the complexity of aerospace projects indicate Boeing’s long-term interest in leveraging India’s engineering and technological expertise.
As Boeing navigates through its restructuring phase, the company remains focused on global expansion, operational efficiency, and strategic workforce management. The aerospace giant continues to balance downsizing efforts while simultaneously investing in key markets like India, ensuring a strong future for its operations worldwide.
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