Southwest Airlines is to impose its first ever major job cuts.
About 15% of all corporate jobs will be cut, amounting to about 1,750 layoffs.
The airline called it an ‘unprecedented’ move to slash costs.
Southwest reckons it will save about $210 million this year.
It will include some senior leadership roles, CEO Bob Jordan said.
The layoffs will be completed by the end of the second quarter.
“This decision is unprecedented in our 53-year history, and change requires that we make difficult decisions,” Jordan said.
“We are at a pivotal moment as we transform Southwest Airlines into a leaner, faster, and more agile organization.”
Southwest had already undertaken measures to cut costs with a hiring freeze and pausing its internship program.
It has also ditched unprofitable routes.
“We must ensure we fund the right work, reduce duplicative efforts, and have a lean organizational structure,” Jordan said in a memo.
