AEROSPACE

Boeing Expects to Hire 8,200 Workers in 1996: The Seattle-based aircraft manufacturer said the hires, mostly in its commercial airplane division, mark the first major employment increase in seven years. Analysts had been expecting 6,000 new hires this year. After big purchases from airlines in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere, Boeing Co. announced production increases in December and March. Many of the hires will be members of the Machinists union, which ended a 69-day strike against Boeing in December. Most of the new jobs will be in Washington, where the company expects to add 6,700 employees. Employees will also be added in Wichita, Kan., and at other Boeing locations. The new jobs will push Boeing’s total employment to about 113,350 by year’s end, up from 105,185 at the end of 1995. Boeing shares fell 87.5 cents to $81.375 on the New York Stock Exchange.