Boeing temporarily rehiring retired mechanics as it struggles to fill jetliner orders

Business is so strong for aircraft builder Boeing that it is temporarily rehiring “several hundred” retired mechanics in Washington State to help it meet production demands. Also, the manufacturer is looking to hire new employees as it struggles to meet commercial aircraft orders that have been piling up. On Wednesday, Boeing announced a record 202 commercial airplane deliveries in the third quarter, up from 188 aircraft delivered in the year-ago quarter. The latest quarter included delivery of 24 of the 737-MAXs, even as engine issues have been an ongoing challenge. According to Boeing, the production rate on the 737 aircraft programme increased from 42 to 47 planes per month, and it confirmed plans to ramp up the 787 Dreamliner rate from 12 to 14 aircraft per month in 2019. Analysts say Boeing’s order book on its 787 Dreamliner and 737-MAX jets are strong as airlines move to replace older planes with more efficient models and expand routes. “To help meet near-term airplane production requirements, we are doing some modest hiring across manufacturing skills and contacting recently-retired mechanics with certain skills to offer up to six-month re-employment that could start as soon as this month,” Boeing spokesman Paul Bergman said Tuesday. According to company official, “Bringing in experienced mechanics will also allow us to hire and train new employees during this period.” The company didn’t release the exact number it plans to rehire for the short term but said it was “several hundred.” The local machinists union signed off on the temporary rehire plan.<br/>