Raytheon is expected to cut production of some of its business aircraft after experiencing a drop-off in sales caused by the faltering US economy.
"We are evaluating an adjustment to the line rate," says chairman Dan Burnham. "Of particular concern are orders for the Beechjet and King Air lines, which we are monitoring carefully."
Raytheon Aircraft's backlog has fallen since the beginning of the year, but remains strong, Burnham says, mainly as a result of advance orders for the Premier I entry-level jet and super mid-size Hawker Horizon.
The company will finally deliver the first Premier this month, and expects to ship around 30 by year-end. Deliveries of the Horizon will not begin until 2003.
Source: Flight International
