Virus Hits Planemakers as Airbus, Boeing Shutter China Plants
- Manufacturers act as staff stay home, transport links severed
- Engine maker Safran has also closed down its operations
The Airbus SE final assembly line in Tianjin, China.
Source: Airbus SE
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The aerospace industry is joining carmakers in shuttering Chinese plants in response to the coronavirus outbreak, with Airbus SE halting an assembly line and Boeing Co. and Safran SA also closing facilities.
Airbus’s plant in Tianjin, east of Beijing, has remained idle beyond the Lunar New Year holiday as travel restrictions present logistical challenges and the government advises people to stay home. Engine maker Safran’s operations are closed until Monday in order to minimize any exposure of 2,500 workers to the virus. Both companies said staff are working remotely where possible.