United Airlines is seeking pilot volunteers to take unpaid next month.
This is due to delays in deliveries of new Boeing aircraft.
A memo has gone out to pilot union reps asking for applications to take temporary unpaid leave.
“Our forecasted block hours for 2024 have been reduced and we are offering our pilots voluntary programs for the month of May,” United said.
Although initially only for next month, it could be extended for several months beyond the summer.
When Boeing deliveries will pick up again is still uncertain.
United has already signaled a stop in hiring new pilots ‘due to continued new aircraft certification and manufacturing delays at Boeing.’
CEO Scott Kirby said United is looking at maybe buying more planes from rival Airbus.
Boeing has been under increased scrutiny since the Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 incident.
This has severely affected planned new aircraft deliveries.
