Hawaiian Airlines is shrinking its flight crew numbers by more than 1,000.
Furlough notices have gone out to more than 800 flight attendants and more than 300 of these are involuntary.
It also plans to reduce pilot staffing by 173, with most involuntary.
"This week we have begun involuntary separations with our non-contract employees following the acceptance of voluntary separation packages over the past few weeks. This is an incredibly painful time for our company and for all of us personally," airline CEO Peter Ingram said in a message to workers.
"We’re forced to take steps now that just a few months ago were unthinkable. I’m sure for many of you there is sadness, some disbelief and anxiety for the future."
The job cuts were not a surprise but it did hope enough volunteers could be found to avoid involuntary furloughs.
That hasn’t been the case.
The company said more furlough notices would also be sent out later this month to impacted union members.
Pre-pandemic, Hawaiian had a workforce of about 7,500 with the vast majority based in Hawaii.
Ingram hopes these reductions can still be avoided with more federal payroll financial assistance.
That hasn’t materialized yet although President Trump said Tuesday he would ‘help the airlines.’
Despite the current crisis Ingram says ‘Hawaiian Airlines will thrive again.’
Written by Ray Montgomery, US editor
