(Reuters) – British Rolls-Royce said on Sunday that it is proposing to keep its civilian aerospace unit operational for two weeks over the summer as it manages costs from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The aircraft engine manufacturer has begun discussions with unions about the closure and cost savings at its civil aerospace unit, he said in an emailed statement.
“As we continue to manage our cost base in response to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the entire commercial aviation industry, we propose a two-week operational shutdown for Civil Aerospace over the summer,” he said.
Rolls-Royce’s finances have been hit by the COVID-19 crisis, as airline customers have grounded planes. It warned last month that travel would be even more limited than expected this year, leading to increased cash outflow.
Reporting by Anirudh Saligrama and Sabahatjahan Contractor in Bengaluru; Editing by Alexander Smith