Will Idle Almost 30 Percent Of Workforce Over Summer

On Thursday, Minnesota-based low-cost carrier Sun Country Airlines announced plans to furlough nearly 30 percent of its pilots, effective May 1.

Airline executives are calling it a temporary move... but given that already this week we've seen closure announcements from Aloha Airlines, Champion Air, and now ATA Airlines, that's open to some critical thinking.

According to the St. Paul Pioneer Press, letters went out to 45 of Sun Country's 156 pilots last Friday, telling them they'll need to find summer jobs.

"We are not going to be flying as much this summer because of rising fuel prices," Sun Country spokeswoman Wendy Blackshaw said.

Current plans call for the furloughed pilots to return to their jobs October 31, according to the airline. Affected pilots will continue to accrue seniority and retain benefits.

Based in Mendota Heights, MN, Sun Country flies primarily to vacation destinations in the US, Mexico and the Caribbean. The airline lost $25 million in FY 2007, and recently hired former AirTran CFO Stan Gadek as its new Chief Executive to help stop the bleeding of red ink.

FMI: www.suncountry.com