The Boeing layoffs announced last week will all be involuntary. And Machinists union members will, for now, not be laid off, implying heavy cuts among white-collar staff.

Airbus has announced plans to slash up to 2,500 jobs in its defense and space division, citing a “complex business environment” marked by challenges including rising costs and “rapid changes in warfare.

Another layoff announcement in aerospace and defense might signal the start of a disturbing trend for workers.

Thousands of Boeing workers will receive layoff notices soon, affecting both union and non-union employees in its commercial aviation division. The aerospace giant plans to cut 17,000 jobs and take $5 billion in charges.