May 16 (Reuters) - Spirit AeroSystems ( SPR ) is laying off

several hundred members of its workforce in Wichita, Kan.,

according to a media report Thursday citing internal documents,

as the company deals with high debt and slowed production at

Boeing ( BA ), its key customer.

"The recent slowdown in the delivery rate on commercial

programs compels a reduction to our workforce in Wichita,"

spokesman Joe Buccino said. "In the coming weeks, we will inform

affected employees. We are committed to implementing this

transition in as compassionate a manner as possible."

The report, from Wichita-based KSN, said 400 to 450

employees would be affected, citing an internal memo. Buccino

would not confirm that figure to Reuters.