Boeing is temporarily suspending production at its facilities in Ridley Township, Pennsylvania, due to the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak in the region. Previously, the aircraft manufacturer made a similar move by shutting down its production operations in Seattle area facilities.
Boeing is halting operations in the military rotorcraft production site between April 3-20, 2020, as was outlined in the company’s statement. Besides production of aircraft like the H-47 Chinook, V-22 Osprey and MH-139A Grey Wolf, the site is also used for defense and commercial services work and engineering design activities.
“Suspending operations at our vital military rotorcraft facilities is a serious step, but a necessary one for the health and safety of our employees and their communities,” said Steve Parker, Vertical Lift vice president and general manager, and Philadelphia site senior executive is cited in the company’s statement on April 2, 2020. “We’re working closely with government and public health officials in the tri-state region. We’re also in contact with our customers, suppliers and other stakeholders affected by this temporary suspension as we assist in the national effort to combat the spread of COVID-19.”
Previously, on March 25, 2020, the company suspended production in its Seattle area facilities, which make up the majority of the company’s aircraft manufacturing, including the production of 747, 767, 777, and the 787 Dreamliner airplanes. The shutdown was also scheduled to last 14 days.