The pressure on a new airline bailout from the government seems to ramping up on a daily basis.
United Airlines now expects to furlough 2,850 pilots this fall when the current payroll assistance funding runs out in October.
That is more than the airline previously said.
"We need to prepare and plan for the future should an extension not be granted," Bryan Quigley, senior vice president of flight operations, said in a message to pilots.
According to the Air Line Pilots Association, 1750 pilots will be furloughed immediately on 1 October for an indefinite period.
The remaining pilots on notice would then be furloughed at the end of October or November.
"Our ongoing efforts on Capitol Hill, and with management, have never let up and are made more urgent with today’s announcement," the union told pilots in a separate message.
Overall, United has said up to 36,000 workers could be laid off.
Analysts predict the US airline industry could shrink by 40,00 to 70,000 workers in October if no further funding materializes.
Written by Ray Montgomery, US editor
