Boeing (NYSE: BA) plans to reopen aircraft production in Washington state as the form is reeling from both the coronavirus pandemic and the problems with its 737 Max.
The company will allow some workers to start back early Monday in Washington state plant, with other facilities throughout the United States returning to work on Friday, April 24.
"The health and safety of our employees, their families and communities is our shared priority," said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes in a press release. "This phased approach ensures we have a reliable supply base, our personal protective equipment is readily available and we have all of the necessary safety measures in place to resume essential work for our customers."
Boeing employees will encounter new safety measures to include staggered work times and spaced out work areas.
Face masks and other personal protective equipment will be required and provided to employees. Workers will be asked to conduct wellness inspections on themselves before shift and be subjected to temperature screenings.
Of Boeing's approximately 160,000 employees worldwide, there are at least 66 current confirmed coronavirus cases. At least 124 others have recovered after being infected.
Before the pandemic, Boeing made nearly 30% of its revenue from sales to the U.S. military. It is also awaiting approval from the US Federal Aviation Administration for approval for the 737 Max to fly again. The Max was grounded in March 2019 following two fatal crashes that killed 346 people. The grounding has so far cost the company an estimated $19 billion.
Dave Calhoun, Boeing's chief executive, said in a letter to his employees that the Trump administration and the nation's major airlines reached an agreement of $25 billion that is intended to pay airline workers.
"As you've heard me say before, we're in uncharted waters. The impact of this global virus will change our business for years to come," Calhoun said. "But we're doing what it takes to emerge from it strong and competitive."