With fewer new aircraft in circulation than expected, United Airlines is offering unpaid leave to its pilots.
The Chicago-based airline demonstrated on April 1 that limited fleet expansion caused by production problems at Boeing had led it to “significantly” lower its expectations for block flights to maintain hours.
“Due to recent delays in Boeing deliveries, our planned wait hours for 2024 have been reduced and we are providing our pilots with volunteer systems for the month of May to reduce overstaffing,” the company said. “We don’t have any other important points than percentage at this point. “
A memo to United pilots, reviewed through FlightGlobal, said that “while the delivery affects our 787 and 737 fleets, it also has an effect on other fleets. “
United’s voluntary leave systems can grow throughout the summer and fall in the United States.
“As we approach the summer flight period . . . Ongoing evaluations will be conducted for the continuation of those and, in all likelihood, other voluntary offers,” the note said.
United has pivoted on several fronts in reaction to persistent delays in certifying the 737 Max 10 and Boeing’s very similar production and quality issues. Last month, CEO Scott Kirby said the airline eyeing the Airbus A321neo as a possible replacement for the Max 10s recently scrapped its fleet plan.
“We’ve asked Boeing to stop building the Max 10 for us and build the Max 9,” Kirby said. “When the Max 10s are certified, we’ll make them Max 10 again. “
The major U. S. airline expects more than a hundred fewer Boeing aircraft deliveries in 2024 than contractually planned. In a Feb. 29 regulatory filing, United said it now expects Boeing to deliver 63 planes in 2024, instead of the 165 it delivered in the past. idea that it would arrive this year.
Pressure from the CEOs of United, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines and Southwest Airlines has reportedly been factored into Boeing’s leadership overhaul, in which CEO David Calhoun is set to leave at the end of 2024.
Former Boeing Commercial Airplanes leader Stan Deal has already resigned and was replaced by longtime corporate Stephanie Pope.
The Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) considers delays in aircraft deliveries to be an “urgent issue” for the country’s aviation sector, as passenger traffic approaches a full post-pandemic recovery this year.
Philippine Airlines has seen a strong rebound in 2023, relaunching its routes and investing in its long-term fleet.
Boeing has been awarded a $657 million contract to produce and deliver two more MQ-25 Stingray autonomous tankers for the U. S. Navy. as part of the progression and initial phase of the program.
New airline Canada Jetlines is considering a possible board listing on the U. S. stock exchange, its executives revealed on March 28.
Brazil’s Azul increased its profits and gains in the fourth quarter of 2023, accessing new markets while keeping prices in check.
Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines have reached an agreement on the timing of their proposed merger as they work to satisfy requests for documentation from the U. S. Department of Justice.
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