Boeing Delivery Delays Impact Southwest Pilots with Reduced Hours, Pay: Exclusive
Southwest Airlines is considering offering its pilots reduced hours and corresponding monthly pay as it faces challenges stemming from delays in aircraft deliveries from Boeing. The Dallas-based airline, which operates an all-Boeing fleet, has been impacted by Boeing’s safety crisis, resulting in fewer aircraft deliveries than planned for the year.
The delays have led Southwest to adjust its growth plans, and offering reduced hours to pilots is seen as a way to manage costs without resorting to layoffs. This measure also ensures that the airline’s pilots meet the requirements set by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration to remain active in the cockpit. It provides Southwest with the flexibility to scale up operations as needed.
The plan, expected to take effect around September, could involve hundreds of pilots. However, Southwest has not yet finalized an agreement with the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA), representing its pilots.
Casey Murray, the head of SWAPA, mentioned that preliminary discussions have occurred with the company regarding Boeing’s delivery delays. While no official decision has been made regarding overstaffing, SWAPA anticipates further talks on the matter soon.
Southwest Airlines has around 12,000 pilots; the average monthly flying time is approximately 100 hours per pilot. The airline intends to reduce costs by ceasing operations at four airports in August and scaling back its presence in specific markets like Chicago and Atlanta. Additionally, Southwest has implemented measures such as halting hiring, offering voluntary unpaid time off to staff, and reducing total seat capacity to effectively manage its workforce and expenses.
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