The carrier is in constant Limelight ! Now, United Airlines Holdings Inc is reportedly asking pilots to consider unpaid leave next month due to Boeing Company’s delayed deliveries, that's affecting company's schedules.
As per sources, United Airlines could receive hundreds of less deliveries this year from Boeing, as compared to its contract with the manufacturer.
These are the latest developments in the aftermath of a series of incidents involving United Airlines planes, those made headlines last month, alerting authorities and agencies to increase the safety oversight.
A month ago, United said it was contractually due 191 planes this year and 127 next year but expects to receive only 88 this year and 64 in 2025.
The Air Line Pilots Association, the union representing pilots, said United is asking pilots to take unpaid leaves of absence in May and possibly through the summer.
Delayed aircraft deliveries, as per a note to pilots.It’s another illustration of how Boeing’s production issues are impacting airlines’ expansion plans, according to a report from CNBC.
“Due to recent changes to our Boeing deliveries, the remaining 2024 forecast block hours for United have been significantly reduced,” the report quoted the United chapter of the Air Line Pilots Association.
A United spokesperson said Monday that the offer is voluntary.
“Due to the recent delays in Boeing deliveries, our forecasted (flight hours) have been reduced and we are offering our pilots voluntary programs for the month of May to reduce excess staffing,” spokesperson Leslie Scott said.
However, the union anticipates further time-off offers extending into the summer and potentially beyond.
As per sources, Pilots can also opt to fly the "Empty Line," meaning they request an empty schedule for a month, but may pick up flights on availability. Airline will pay for the flights undertaken.
United’s expected deliveries from Boeing, outlined in a February filing, were adjusted downwards, citing production and certification delays. The delivery deficit involves majority of Boeing 737 Max planes, including a new, longer model.
United, that is considering options to replace orders for the Max 10, had planned to begin flying 80 Max 10 jets this year. The U.S. Aviation regulator Federal Aviation Administration is yet to certify the Max 10.
With the current incidents on Boeing B737MAX planes, FAA approval is likely to be further delayed by an enhanced oversight of Boeing, as this is happening after a Fuselage door plug blew out of an Alaska Airlines MAX 9 in January this year.
Not a secret, CEO Scott Kirby had vocalized concerns over Boeing’s production problems, including recent incidents such as a door plug incident on an Alaska Air Group Inc.
Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun has already announced his departure amid a leadership overhaul taking place within the Seattle based company.
