Tue, Mar 10, 2009
Warns Workers Of Need To 'Reassess' Staffing Needs
Telling workers "the worsening global economy continues to place
additional pressure on the airline industry," on Tuesday Delta Air
Lines leaders issued a memo to the over 70,000 people employed at
the megacarrier, warning of further cuts to international
capacity... and likely workforce reductions down the line.
"This morning at an investor conference in New York, we will
announce plans to reduce international capacity an additional 10%
beginning in September," wrote Delta CEO Richard Anderson and
President Ed Bastian. "These reductions will be targeted to areas
where we’ve seen the most revenue weakness -- the Atlantic
and Pacific networks. Trans-Atlantic capacity this winter will be
down 11–13% and trans-Pacific down 12–14% compared to
winter 2008.
"To achieve these capacity changes, we will exit low performing
markets, down-gauge certain routes, adjust frequencies, and move
some markets to seasonal service."
The latest capacity cuts are in addition to Delta's previous
plans to reduce the number of available seats nationwide by 6-8
percent in 2009. Noting the airline will soon release close to
2,100 workers through voluntary layoffs, Anderson and Bastian also
warned the latest cuts will mean the need to further "reassess"
staffing numbers.
"As in the past, voluntary programs are always our first
consideration to adjust staffing needs," the memo states.
"We will continue to make decisions that are in the long-term
interest of employees, customers, shareholders and the communities
we serve. Remaining focused on our 2009 Flight Plan will be key to
our success. This will require teamwork from all divisions and
departments working toward this common goal... Together, we are
building a stronger Delta."
More News
Known Traffic With respect to ATC clearances, means aircraft whose altitude, position, and intentions are known to ATC.>[...]
Aero Linx: Aviation Suppliers Association (ASA) Established February 25, 1993, the Aviation Suppliers Association (ASA), based in Washington, D.C., is a not-for-profit association,>[...]
Abeam An aircraft is “abeam” a fix, point, or object when that fix, point, or object is approximately 90 degrees to the right or left of the aircraft track. Abeam indic>[...]
Aero Linx: The Air Charter Safety Alliance The group, called the Air Charter Safety Alliance, will raise awareness of illegal charter flights among potential customers, charter bro>[...]
“For months, ALPA has been sounding the alarm on the ongoing efforts by some aircraft manufacturers to remove pilots from the flight deck and replace them with automation. To>[...]