Hit by the global economic slowdown that has savaged the global airline industry, Boeing has announced production cuts in its widebody programmes from the middle of next year. The US airframer announced that its 777 production rate will decrease from seven to five aircraft per month beginning in June 2010, representing a 28 per cent cut. It added that previous plans to moderately increase 747-8 and 767 production, each currently at about one per month, have been suspended. Boeing said the cut was a result of deferrals, not cancellations, saying the move was, “due to significant deterioration in the business environment for airlines and cargo operators driven by unprecedented global economic conditions.” “These are extremely difficult economic times for our customers,” Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Scott Carson said in a statement. “It’s necessary to adjust our production plans to align supply with these tough market conditions. We are in close contact with our customers as we continue to monitor this dynamic business environment.”