Continental Airlines announced that they would furlough 140 to 180 pilots after Labor Day. The airline plans on cutting capacity in order to raise ticket prices which will hopefully churn up a profit for the Houston based airline. According to Continental, these cuts are part of the 3,000 cuts that are expected; 2,500 jobs have already been terminated.
The initial plan from Continental was to cut approximately 500 pilots. The airline sent out warning to these pilots in advance. However Continental managed to make an improvement and cut it down to 180. Negotiations between Continental and the Air Line Pilots Association have helped keep many jobs afloat. Pilots have renegotiated their retirement incentives and other measures to keep more pilots flying.
Out of all the airlines that I have seen making cuts, Continental is the only airline that has been making a decent effort to help and keep its employees while, at the same time, trying to cut capacity. The carrier plans on cutting 11% of its capacity, and currently has 5,000 pilots. If my math serves me right, they’ll cut roughly 4% of their pilots. Not bad, huh? I’m glad to see an airline that can maintain a good relationship with the ALPA, for the better of their pilots, unlike other airlines. Well done Continental!
Image: flickr.com
