Boeing faces workforce challenges on defense side as commercial mechanics strike

Boeing is experiencing workforce challenges as it increases F-15EX production while phasing out the F/A-18 Super Hornet line, creating inefficiencies and higher costs, according to a story on Breaking Defense According to Mark Sears, Boeing’s vice president for fighters, the company is navigating a steep learning curve as it builds up a less experienced workforce for the F-15EX. Boeing has added 150 new mechanics for the F-15EX line, where production is set to increase from one to 1.5 aircraft per month, with plans to reach two per month by 2026.

Conversely, Boeing has reduced its Super Hornet mechanics from 300 to 200, forcing remaining workers to absorb additional duties. The shifting production demands, coupled with a less experienced workforce, have impacted production efficiency and raised costs.

To address these challenges, Boeing is redesigning complex components of the F-15EX to streamline assembly and rewriting technical manuals to aid new mechanics. However, these updates will take years to fully implement, and the company’s defense margins are expected to remain negative through the third quarter owing to these operational shifts.

Boeing’s acquisition of the GKN Aerospace facility in St. Louis, which produces key parts for the F-15 and F/A-18, is seen as a strategic move to stabilize production, similar to its purchase of Spirit Aerosystems, the 737 fuselage manufacturer. Despite these efforts, Sears noted that recovery from these inefficiencies will be a gradual process.