Southwest plans to cut flights in Atlanta while adding them elsewhere. Its unions are unhappy
Southwest Airlines is planning to cut about one-third of its flights in Atlanta next year to save money, and employees affected by the change are furious
DALLAS (AP) — Southwest Airlines plans to eliminate about one-third of its flights to Atlanta next year to save money as it comes under pressure from a hedge fund to increase profits and boost the airline’s stock price.
The retreat in Atlanta, where Southwest is far smaller than Delta Air Lines, will eliminate more than 300 jobs for pilots and flight attendants, although they will have a chance to relocate, according to the company.
A Southwest official said Wednesday the airline needs to cut unprofitable routes, and “demand for Atlanta doesn't support our level of flying.”
While the airline's planners “try everything they can before making hard decisions like this one, we have to make this change to help drive us back to profitability,” the Atlanta-based official, Tiffany Laurent, said in a memo to employees.
