In response to
delayed aircraft deliveries from Boeing that have resulted in overstaffing, United
Airlines is offering voluntary unpaid leave for its pilots throughout the
month of May, according to company and union memos obtained by Reuters.
A United
spokesperson acknowledged the impact of delivery delays on aircraft utilization
this year, leading the carrier to instate “voluntary programs” to reduce surplus
staffing. However, the spokesperson did not supply any further details about said
programs.
According to a
memo sent to United pilots, individuals have the option to take unpaid time off
for the entire month of May or to select specific dates for leave.
Additionally, pilots may opt for a blank schedule, giving them the option of
picking up or trading shifts as desired.
Although the arrangement
currently applies only to the month of May, United's pilot union advised its
members to anticipate additional programs extending into the summer and
possibly the fall.
"While the
delivery issues surround our 787 and 737 fleets, the impact will affect other
fleets as well," the union wrote in a memo, adding, “Program selection and
duration is not known at this time."
United's decision
to provide its pilots with voluntary leave follows its recent announcement of
halting pilot hiring for May and June. The move underscores the challenges
faced by the aviation industry as a result of Boeing's ongoing production safety
crisis.
The major manufacturer’s
current issues have required that airlines overhaul their expectations for the
delivery of planes on order and confounded their efforts to meet unprecedented
travel demand.
The situation is
not unique to United. Competitor Southwest Airlines—also a Boeing customer—has
halted its pilot and flight attendant recruitment efforts.
Pilots in the cockpit during a flight with commercial airplane. (Photo Credit: Lukas Gojda / Adobe Stock)
Boeing has been
facing regulatory challenges after a terrifying January 5 incident occurred aboard
an Alaska Airlines flight, in which a door
panel blew out and rapidly depressurized the plane cabin mid-flight.
This, in addition
to a spate
of other incidents that have ensued in the weeks since then, prompted
federal investigations into safety and quality standards within its production
processes.
In response to
mounting pressures, Boeing recently saw significant leadership changes, with
CEO Dave Calhoun announcing
his departure by the year's end. Stan Deal, the longtime head of commercial
airplanes, retired immediately and board chair Larry Kellner stepped down, to
be replaced by former director Steve Mollenkopf.
United's CEO,
Scott Kirby, has been outspoken about the airline’s frustrations with Boeing and,
after the MAX 9 model’s initial grounding, began exploring potential deals with
rival aircraft manufacturer Airbus.
Consequently,
United revised its 2024 delivery forecast for MAX 8 aircraft deliveries from
Boeing, reducing the number from 43 to 37. Additionally, the airline
anticipates receiving 15 fewer MAX 9s this year than its previous plans indicated.
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