Rolls-Royce plans two-week shutdown of civil aerospace activity

(Reuters) – Britain’s Rolls-Royce announced on Sunday it was proposing a two-week operational shutdown of its civilian aerospace unit over the summer as it managed costs due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic .

The aircraft engine maker has started talks with unions on shutting down and cutting costs at its civilian aerospace unit, it said in an emailed statement.

“As we continue to manage our cost base in response to the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the entire commercial aviation industry, we are proposing a two-week operational shutdown of civil aerospace at during the summer, ”he said.

Rolls-Royce’s finances have been hit by the COVID-19 crisis as its airline customers ground planes. He warned last month that travel would be even more limited than expected this year, leading to increased cash outflows.