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Jul. 2--Gulfstream Aerospace on Monday furloughed about 2,200 employees involved in the manufacture of four of its large-cabin aircraft in Savannah. The furloughs will last from four to five weeks.

Those working on the fifth large-cabin model, the new Gulfstream G650, were not affected. But even they have not been immune to a fragile economy, drawing a two-week assembly line furlough in early April to allow parts deliveries to catch up.

Of those currently furloughed, 1,500 are involved in the initial phase manufacture of the Gulfstream G350, G450, G500 or G550 business jets. They will return Aug. 3.

Another 700 employees involved in the final phase manufacture of the same models will return to work July 27, according to Gulfstream spokesman Robert Baugniet.

Although they won't be paid for the period, those furloughed are still Gulfstream employees and, as such, all benefits will continue, Baugniet said.

"Benefits will be paid and pensions will accrue," he said, adding that employees on furlough cannot be terminated.

Furloughed employees can, however, apply for unemployment for the period they aren't paid, Baugniet said. They also have the option of taking paid vacation for all or part of the period.