Bombardier Pulls the Plug on 5,000 Jobs and Sells Assets to Keep the Future Alive
Bombardier, the Canadian aviation giant, has announced a bold move that’s bound to stir up the skies. Over the next 12 to 18 months, the company plans to cut 5,000 jobs worldwide in a push to streamline operations and earn an annualized saving of roughly $250 million by 2021. The drama is underway, but the suspense is that it’s still unclear if the workforce in the UK—especially the Belfast headquarters—will get the short end of the stick.
Why All This Rocket‑Science‑Level Shuffling?
In a press release on November 8, 2018, Bombardier’s CEO Alain Bellemare said:
“With today’s announcements, we are setting in motion the next round of actions necessary to unleash the full potential of the Bombardier portfolio.”
It’s a classic corporate pep talk—hard talk with a sprinkle of hope.
What’s Being Sold?
- The company will sell the Q-Series aircraft programme for $900 million.
- It plans to auction the de Havilland trademark for $300 million.
- Additionally, Bombardier will sell two of its units for a combined $900 million.
These sales are more than just numbers; they’re a strategic ride to keep the company’s financial engine humming.
Is the UK Affected?
While the big picture looks tidy, the UK operations—especially the Belfast headquarters—are on the edge of a cliff. The company hasn’t yet clarified whether the jobs there will be cut or saved. Fingers are crossed.
Where Did the Cannonball Come From?
Earlier this year, Bombardier sold a stake in its struggling C-Series aircraft to Airbus, tipping the scale for the A220. Today’s announcements are the next in a series, forging a path toward a leaner, more potent portfolio.
Final Thoughts
As Bombardier rolls out its bold changes, it’s a reminder that even the giants in the sky sometimes need to lean in and toss a few feathers to keep their wings aloft. Time will tell how these moves play out on the global runway.
