The Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner from United Airlines took off from Barcelona airport on 28th March 2023.
United Airlines is asking its pilots to take unpaid leave next month due to a delay in aircraft deliveries from Boeing, according to a note sent to the pilots. This action is seen as another instance of the impact of Boeing’s production issues and safety concerns on its customers’ growth plans. This request came in the wake of United and other airlines demanding more pilots following the end of the travel slump caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The United chapter of the Air Line Pilots Association, the pilots’ union, mentioned in a note to its members Friday, that the remaining 2024 forecast block hours for United have been significantly reduced due to recent changes to their Boeing deliveries. This will affect not only the 787 and 737 fleets but also other fleets.
United confirmed the request for voluntary, unpaid time off. Last month, CNBC reported that the airline had said it would pause pilot hiring in the spring due to late arrivals of aircraft from Boeing.
United was due to receive 43 Boeing 737 Max 8 planes and 34 Max 9 models this year but now expects to receive 37 and 19, respectively. United had anticipated that Boeing would also deliver 80 Max 10s this year and 71 next year. However, that model hasn’t been certified by the Federal Aviation Administration, leading the airline to remove them from the delivery schedule due to an inability to predict the delivery period accurately.
United CEO Scott Kirby has been vocal about production problems and delivery delays at Boeing. CEOs of other airlines have also expressed their frustration with the delays that have resulted from Boeing’s manufacturing problems.
Last month, Southwest Airlines reevaluated its 2024 financial guidance due to fewer Boeing deliveries. The airline has also paused hiring pilots and flight attendants. Alaska Airlines noted that its 2024 capacity estimates are being affected by uncertainty surrounding aircraft deliveries due to increased scrutiny on Boeing by the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Justice.
Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun announced last week, he would leave at the end of the year as part of a broad leadership shake-up that includes the exit of the board chairman and head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes unit. Boeing declined to comment on the issue.
United Airlines is asking its pilots to take unpaid leave starting next month because of delayed aircraft delivery from Boeing. This situation emphasizes once again how Boeing’s manufacturing and safety issues are impacting airlines’ growth plans. Recently, airlines like United have been pushing for more pilots in anticipation of a resurgence in travel demand following the Covid-19 slump.
In a note, the pilots’ union explained that due to recent modifications in Boeing’s delivery schedule, United had decided to significantly reduce its 2024 forecast block hours. Although this directly impacts the 787 and 737 fleets, the disruption is expected to affect other fleets as well.
Previously, United had announced a halt in pilot hiring due to late aircraft arrivals from Boeing. The union expects more offers for time off in the summer and possibly extending into the fall. Originally, United was expecting 43 Boeing 737 Max 8 planes and 34 Max 9 models this year. However, based on a company filing in February, now the airline forecasts receiving 37 and 19, respectively. Additionally, an anticipated 80 Max 10s this year and 71 next year have been taken off the delivery schedule due to certification delay by the Federal Aviation Administration.
United’s CEO, Scott Kirby, has frequently voiced concerns over the production problems and delivery delays at Boeing. Other airline leaders have also expressed frustration. Last month, Southwest Airlines revised its 2024 financial guidance considering fewer Boeing deliveries and paused hiring for pilots and flight attendants. Alaska Airlines is also facing uncertainties surrounding its 2024 capacity estimates due to unpredictable aircraft delivery timings.
Further adding to Boeing’s difficulties, CEO Dave Calhoun announced last week that he would be leaving the company by the end of the year. The announcement was part of a larger leadership reshuffling that included the exit of the board chairman and the head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes unit.
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