Delta Air Lines announced Thursday it will retire the long-range Boeing 777 aircraft and signalled plans to reduce headcount as the aviation industry continues to reel from coronavirus shutdowns.
The big US carrier, which has lost some 95 percent of passenger revenue amid sinking demand, estimates that it will be overstaffed by 7,000 pilots this fall, according to a memo to employees reviewed by AFP.
“We are looking at all options to minimize potential furloughs and offset impact on our pilots through additional voluntary programs and cost-saving measures,” said the memo from Delta senior vice president John Laughter, adding that the company was consulting its elected representatives and considering an early retirement program.
