Delta planning to send Warn Act notices to more than 2

US carrier Delta Air Lines is reportedly considering informing more than 2,500 pilots about potential furloughs.

In a company memo seen by CNBC, Delta intends to send Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN Act) notices as soon as this week.

Meanwhile, the carrier has entered an agreement with the labour union that represents more than 14,000 pilots for an early retirement option.

Delta flight operations senior vice-president John Laughter was quoted by CNBC as saying: “As we’ve communicated previously, early retirements alone likely won’t be enough to avoid pilot furloughs altogether.”

Laughter added: “With that in mind and given that we won’t know the results of the early-out for a few weeks, we must continue to move ahead to address pilot overstaffing.

“In an effort to best prepare our pilots, we will send notices to 2,558 pilots as required by the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (the ‘WARN Act’) next week to let them know of a possible furlough.”

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

According to the memo, as many as 7,900 pilots would be eligible for the voluntary early retirement programme.

Selected pilots will receive pay for 58 hours a month until they reach 65 years of age, or for 36 months. CNBC reported that it will also provide up to two-year health insurance premiums cover and one-year travel benefits, citing the labour union.

Earlier this month, Delta Air Lines retired its MD-88, also known as Mad Dog, and MD-90 aircraft, from US fleet due to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

It is also considering retiring its fleet of Boeing 777s as part of the cost reduction measures amid the pandemic.