Wichita ? A Wichita State University official who follows the aviation industry sees Boeing’s planned closing of its defense plant in the city as more of a psychological blow than an economic one.

Jeremy Hill directs the Center for Economic Development and Business Research at Wichita State. Hill said Wednesday there’s likely to be a short-term dip in consumer confidence in the area.

But he also says the area’s economy can probably provide jobs for the 2,160 workers who will be laid off by the time the Boeing plant closes at the end of 2013.

Hill said there’s growth in commercial aviation, and most of the workers are likely to stay in the Wichita area. He also said local officials also can market Boeing’s facilities for other companies.