US Markets
Monday, April 1st, 2024 2:56 pm EDT
Key Points
- United Airlines is requesting pilots to take unpaid time off due to late-arriving aircraft from Boeing, highlighting the impact of Boeing’s production problems and safety crisis on airline operations.
- Boeing’s delays in delivering aircraft have led United to significantly reduce its forecast block hours for 2024, affecting various fleets beyond the 787 and 737 fleets.
- United’s pilot union anticipates further offers of unpaid time off extending into the summer and potentially fall bid periods, as the airline adjusts to changes in Boeing deliveries.
United Airlines is facing challenges due to delayed aircraft deliveries from Boeing, prompting the airline to ask pilots to take unpaid time off next month. The Air Line Pilots Association, United’s pilots’ union, reported a significant reduction in forecast block hours for 2024, attributed to delays in Boeing deliveries affecting the 787 and 737 fleets, impacting other aircraft types as well. United confirmed the request for voluntary unpaid time off and plans to pause pilot hiring this spring due to Boeing’s production issues. The union anticipates further time-off offers extending into the summer and potentially fall bid periods. Boeing’s delayed deliveries have led United to adjust its expected receipt of 737 Max 8 and Max 9 models for the year, with uncertainties surrounding the Max 10 certification affecting delivery schedules. United’s CEO, Scott Kirby, has been vocal about Boeing’s production problems and delivery delays, including recent safety concerns such as a door plug incident on an Alaska Airlines flight. Boeing’s CEO, Dave Calhoun, announced his departure at the end of the year as part of a broader leadership shake-up within the company, signaling ongoing challenges for the aerospace manufacturer.
For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/01/united-asks-pilots-to-take-unpaid-time-off-citing-boeing-delays.html
