Business aviation manufacturers are laying off employees although flight activity is “recovering smartly,” said Brian Foley, a consultant with Brian Foley Associates. 

Machinists union members at Textron Aviation voted June 23 to reject the company’s request to open labor contract negotiations early as it adjusts to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

With more than three months to go before opening day, the National Business Aviation Association plans to provide an update in early July on the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition, the world’s largest business aviation show. 

About 250 Textron Aviation employees received 60-day layoff notices June 23, including 70 in Wichita, as the company adjusts to the economic uncertainty brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the company told employees.