Boeing Planning Machinist Layoffs

Cutbacks in staff for jet production

Boeing said Friday it will lay off some 800 machinists by the end of this year as workforce needs on its newest jet programs, the 787 Dreamliner and 747-8 jumbo jet, are reduced.

Company spokesman Doug Alder said that other reductions will be made through attrition so that the total number of positions cut this year will be between 2,000 and 2,300.

"We always expected employment requirements would come down on these programs after we stabilized production," said Alder. "That's what's happening."