The Seattle-based jumbo-jet manufacturer said it decided to reduce production rates for some of its commercial airplanes after reassessing the impact that economic conditions in Asia will have on air travel and airplane customers.

In July, Boeing announced plans to cut 28,000 jobs. By announcing an additional 20,000 job cuts on Tuesday, Boeing will reduce its payroll to 190,000 employees. The 48,000 job cuts amount to 20 per cent of Boeing's workforce.

The company eliminated 2,000 jobs from its Wichita, Kansas plant in October. Boeing said that the increased number of layoffs reflects its revised production plans. The aerospace giant will ramp down production of its 747s from 3.5 per month to two a month in late 1999 and to one per month in 2000 if conditions fail to improve. The company willalso trim 757 production to four planes a month from its current level of five, and 767 production to 3.5 a month from four in early 2000.

``Clearly, the economic slowdown in Asia is driving air traffic down which impacts our customers' plans and operations,'' Alan Mulally, Boeing commercial airplanes president, said in a news release. ``Our actions today will match production to market demand to support our customers.'' Boeing noted worldwide airline passenger traffic is expected to grow two per cent in 1998, compared with six per cent growth in 1997.

``As a result, several customers have requested deferral of deliveries out of 1999 and 2000, and the company is working with the airlines to reschedule deliveries,'' Boeing said in a statement.

In addition to the job and production cuts, Boeing also lowered its 1999 earnings forecast. The company expects a net profit between $1.5 billion and $1.8 billion, down from a July forecast of $2 billion. Boeing maintained its projection of $58 billion in 1999revenue.