United Airlines first new livery Boeing 737-800 sits at a gate after arriving at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., June 5, 2019.
REUTERS/Kamil Krzaczynski
United Airlines is offering pilots to take a month off at reduced pay, according to a union memo sent on Friday, a measure that follows flight cuts due to the spread of coronavirus.
United on Friday announced service reductions throughout Asia because of the illness, which has sickened more than 83,000 people.
The Chicago-based carrier has more service to Asia than any other U.S. airline. United earlier this week pulled its full-year guidance because of the outbreak and said demand to China collapsed entirely and fell by 75% in the rest of the airline’s Asia network. United also on Friday announced it would postpone its investor day, which was scheduled for next Thursday.
United is now offering some widebody pilots a month off in April at the pay rate for 50 hours a month, lower than the roughly 80 hours pilots normally work, wrote Todd Insler, a United captain and chairman of the United branch of the Air Line Pilots Association, in a note to union members.
“The reductions in block hours has resulted in lower line values and fewer flying opportunities in some fleets,” he said. “We are preparing for the possibility of further reductions to our schedules as the virus spreads.
United did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The virus is threatening to end a boom in air travel that helped propel U.S. airlines to a decade of profitability. Airline stocks fell more sharply than the broader market as corporations pulled back on business travel raising concerns about a broader slowdown in demand.
United’s pilots, like those at American and Delta, are in the middle of contract negotiations with the company.
“As of now, there has been no impact on our negotiating strategy or timeline,” Insler told pilots in his note. “During negotiations both sides always keep economic cycles and external events in mind. Our goal remains ensuring we have a robust contract that protects our pilots throughout their careers in all economic cycles.”
Related Post
Mar
Why Are Cancer Rates Rising in Adults Under 50?
One of the most widely recognized risk factors for disease is something we can't hope to make any significant difference with age. Our disease risk increments as we age, with the typical age at conclusion drifting around 68. Yet, another concentrate.
Read MoreFeb
World Mental Health Day 2023
World Emotional wellness Day 2023 is a chance for individuals and networks to join behind the subject 'Psychological well-being is a general basic freedom" to further develop information, bring issues to light and drive activities that advance and safeguard everybody's.
Read MoreFeb
Benefits of Celery Juice: A Comprehensive Review Based on Scientific Research
In the first place, celery is brimming with supplements, like potassium, calcium, and nutrients, and is loaded with a plenty of cell reinforcements. As a matter of fact, a solitary stem of celery contains no less than 12 unique antioxidantsTrusted.
Read MoreFeb
The Health Benefits of Deep Breathing (and 4 Easy Techniques!)
Breathing is a characteristic and compulsory activity that occurs for our bodies to take in and discharge air. An expected activity assists our bodies with working through daily existence. Breathing assists our respiratory framework with moving oxygen in and out,.
Read More