United Airlines is allowing its pilots to take time off in May because there have been delays in Boeing deliveries.
A spokesperson for United Airlines confirmed that they are reducing the number of flying hours for 2024 due to Boeing delivery delays, and they are offering the pilots voluntary programs to reduce staffing for the month of May.
There was no immediate information on whether the time off would be unpaid, even though the spokesperson said it would be voluntary. confirming CNBC's report that the time off would be unpaid.
In January, United CEO Scott Kirby expressed his frustration with the ongoing manufacturing challenges at Boeing.
Kirby said at the time that Boeing needed “real action” to restore its reputation, adding that he had spoken to Boeing’s chief executive, Dave Calhoun, to express his frustration. Calhoun has since announced he would step down from his post.
“We’re Boeing’s biggest customer in the world. They’re our biggest partner in the world,” Kirby told CNBC. “We need Boeing to succeed … but they’ve been having these consistent manufacturing challenges, and they need to take action together.”
Kirby’s comments came after U.S. regulators temporarily grounded most Boeing 737 Max 9 jets after a panel, or a “door plug,” blew off an Alaska Airlines plane 16,000 feet above Oregon on Jan. 5, which meant United could not use its 79 Max 9s.
United also has a standing order for larger Max 10 jets, but The Associated Press pointed out that this model is years behind schedule for Federal Aviation Administration certification.
Boeing did not comment on the latest news, and United’s chapter of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) did not respond to a request for comment.
