EFW has to hire out 300 employees due to lack of orders

Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW) in Dresden has announced the layoff of around 300 employees due to a lack of orders in the coming year. The company also wants to hold talks with IG Metall to postpone the already agreed 35-hour week, EWF announced. "EFW is dependent on what happens in the world. 40 percent less express freight between China and the USA - that goes right to the heart of our customer base," Managing Director Jordi Boto told the German press agency Deutsche Presse-Agentur. The need for freighter conversions is shifting - and with it the plans of Elbe Flugzeugwerke.

Managing Director sees politicians as having a duty

Boto sees politicians as having a duty to set a clear industrial policy course. He sees a perspective in more orders from the military sector. "The development of the armed forces in Germany is an opportunity - now we need industrial policy decisions. The aim must be to develop new industry in Saxony and eastern Germany". The east should no longer be just an extended workbench.

EFW would like to continue maintaining Bundeswehr helicopters

Boto pointed out that the contract for the maintenance of the Bundeswehr NH90 helicopter, which began in 2021, is coming to an end. "NH90 maintenance has been built up over years - if it is discontinued from 2026, there is a risk of irretrievable loss of skills and certifications. We have the resources and experience to flexibly expand our business to include the CH47 heavy transport helicopter." The establishment of a defense industry in Saxony is a key issue.

EFW Labor Director Kai Mielenz cited the consequences of a lack of profitability: "We are currently unable to invest at the Dresden site. Competitive pressure is growing, which is why we need to significantly increase our efficiency." More flexibility is needed. Temporary employment is an important component in securing jobs.

More than 1,000 jobs at suppliers depend on EFW

According to Mielenz, more than 1,000 jobs at suppliers in the region depend directly or indirectly on EFW. "Our responsibility goes far beyond our own company." The aim is to secure the Dresden location.

Elbe Flugzeugwerke - a subsidiary of ST Engineering (Singapore) and Airbus with a turnover of 650 million (2024) - converts passenger aircraft into freighters, among other things. The company currently has more than 2,000 employees.