Boeing Slowing 767 Tanker Work, Could Cut 150 Jobs

[Newsjock]

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CHICAGO - Boeing Co. said Friday it is reducing efforts to convert its 767 planes for use as Air Force refueling tankers as a result of government reviews into the controversial program - a move that will result in as many 150 job cuts at its plants in Wichita and Seattle.

CEO Harry Stonecipher said another 600 Boeing employees at those locations will be shifted to other work as Boeing slows development on a delayed Air Force project that has been costing it about $1 million a day.

"Because important and detailed day-to-day dialogue with our customer is necessary to refine program requirements, we do not believe that continuing development work at the current level of effort is prudent for either the Air Force or Boeing," Stonecipher said in a written message to employees.

The cutback comes after the Pentagon ordered three additional reviews into Boeing's plan to lease and sell 100 jets to the Air Force for use as refueling tankers.

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