US aviation major, Boeing has indicated that it is planning to cut about 800 machinists this year as part of its plans to reduce the workforce working on 747 and 787 airplane programs.

The company has said that the job cuts are part of long-term plan and does not necessarily signal any change in the production rates of the two models. The company is aiming to double the production of its 787 Dreamliner jets at a time when the entire fleet of the model is grounded due to issues with its battery system.

Boeing is aiming to produce 10 units per month of 787 Dreamliner jets. All of the 800 machinists that are to be laid off are members of the International Association of Machinists. The union has not responded to the reports suggesting that the number of machinists will be laid off by the American aviation giant. Most of the machinists focus on change incorporation work or reworking aircraft for 787 and 747 programs in Everett in Washington.

Boeing spokesman Doug Alder said that the company will cut 2,000 to 2,300 this year at its Boeing Commercial Airplanes unit in the Puget Sound region. He also said that eh remaining cut will be through attrition and redeployment.