Tulsa World: Lufthansa Technik announces 30 layoffs

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Lufthansa Technik announces 30 layoffs

By D.R. STEWART World Staff Writer
Published: 6/3/2009 2:24 AM
Last Modified: 6/3/2009 4:04 AM

Lufthansa Technik Tulsa, the commercial aircraft component overhaul and repair company, has laid off 30 people, or 27 percent of its work force, half of them in the last month, company executives said Tuesday.

Bernd Riggers, president and CEO, said the recession's effects on the commercial airline industry are being felt by customers and suppliers.

"It's because of a reduction in the workload" that began last July and August, Riggers said. "At first, we tried to compensate for the lack of work coming in by receiving more work from Europe. But then, at the end of the year, they started to fear the recession in Europe as well."

On Jan. 1, Lufthansa Technik, 9932 E. 58th St., employed 110 people.

Today, employment is down to 70 workers engaged in the repair and overhaul of Boeing and Airbus commercial aircraft engine thrust reversers and other nacelle components; nose cowls; fan, cowl and engine doors; and exhaust components.

In addition to layoffs in January and May, Riggers said, 10 workers left the company and were not replaced.

"We've reached the lowest point right now," he said. "I'm confident we're seeing a recovery. The recovery will begin slowly, but additional work is coming in. With the work we're receiving right now, I'm confident we will not have to reduce the work force further."

Riggers said in a worst-case scenario the economic downturn affecting the commercial airline industry could extend into late 2010.

Lufthansa Technik, the aircraft maintenance division of Lufthansa German Airlines, is the parent company of BizJet International, the business and general aviation aircraft component overhaul and repair facility at 3515 N. Sheridan Road. Lufthansa Technik acquired BizJet in 2000.

In May, BizJet announced layoffs of 14 people, 6.5 percent of its 200 employees.

BizJet President and CEO Bernd Kowalewski said the cuts were necessary because of reduced sales and business activity and a negative political climate toward corporate aircraft.

D.R. Stewart 581-8451
don.stewart@tulsaworld.com By D.R. STEWART World Staff Writer

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Some reader comments for this story were copied from "Lufthansa Technik Tulsa announces 30 layoffs," which was published on 6/2/2009.

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monad, tulsa (6/3/2009 3:57:48 AM)

good luck to the remaining 63!

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