United Airlines is requesting their pilots to take unpaid time off due to late-arriving aircraft from Boeing, a result of the manufacturer’s production problems and safety crisis. This request comes as United and other airlines have been facing challenges in meeting the increasing demand for flights post-pandemic. The Air Line Pilots Association Union communicated to its members that recent changes to Boeing deliveries have significantly reduced United’s forecast block hours for 2024, impacting multiple fleets within the airline. United confirmed the request for voluntary, unpaid time off, with plans to potentially extend this offer into the summer and fall bid periods.
The reduction in Boeing deliveries has affected United’s plans to receive 43 Boeing 737 Max 8 planes and 34 Max 9 models this year, with expectations now lowered to 37 and 19, respectively. The company filing in February also indicated changes in the expected delivery of 80 Max 10s this year and 71 next year, with uncertainty surrounding the certification of this model by the Federal Aviation Administration. United CEO Scott Kirby has been vocal about the production problems and delivery delays faced by Boeing, including recent incidents such as a door plug issue on a Boeing 737 Max 9 operated by Alaska Airlines. This frustration with delivery delays has been echoed by other airline executives as well.
Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines have also been impacted by the reduced Boeing deliveries, with Southwest reevaluating its 2024 financial guidance and pausing pilot and flight attendant hiring. Alaska Airlines has noted that their 2024 capacity estimates are uncertain due to delays in aircraft deliveries resulting from increased scrutiny on Boeing by regulatory authorities. Boeing declined to comment on the situation, while CEO Dave Calhoun announced his plans to leave at the end of the year as part of a broader leadership shake-up within the company.
The challenges faced by United Airlines and other carriers due to Boeing’s production problems highlight the broader impact of delays in aircraft deliveries on the airline industry. With demand for flights rebounding post-pandemic, the timely delivery of new aircraft is crucial for airlines to meet passenger expectations and operational requirements. The decision to ask pilots to take unpaid time off reflects the need for airlines to adjust their staffing and operational plans in response to ongoing challenges in the supply chain. As Boeing works to address its manufacturing issues and regain the trust of airlines and regulators, the industry as a whole continues to navigate the implications of these disruptions on their growth plans and operations.
