Southwest Airlines is cutting back on flying planes due to “aircraft delivery delays” from Boeing. The Dallas-based carrier will offer buyouts to workers at 18 airports across the country, including ramp agents, customer service agents, cargo workers, and operations agents.
Eligible employees can take voluntary separation packages or participate in a “employee time off” program in January that allows them to take unpaid time off and return to their jobs later. The company has not disclosed what is included in the severance packages.
The buyouts are available at airports with large numbers of opportunities, including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport. Customer service agents at Dallas Love Field will also be eligible for separation packages.
Southwest reduced its workforce by about 2,000 people this year, but is planning to cut more jobs next year, according to CEO Bob Jordan. The airline has been under pressure from Boeing’s delivery issues, which have delayed the arrival of new planes.
The company had previously offered similar programs during the COVID-19 pandemic to avoid job cuts after a historic decrease in flying. Southwest has also stopped flying to four airports earlier this year due to demand slowdowns and Boeing delivery issues.
Source: https://www.dallasnews.com/business/airlines/2024/11/11/southwest-airlines-offering-buyouts-amid-aircraft-delivery-woes