United Airlines Asks Pilots To Take Unpaid Leave

United Airlines is asking its pilots to take voluntary unpaid leave in May because of delays in Boeing deliveries, according to a company memo.

Reuters reports that a United spokesperson confirmed the “delivery delays have reduced its aircraft utilization this year.” This means the company must employ “voluntary programs” to reduce overstaffing.

In a staff memo, the airline told their pilots they could take unpaid time off for all of May or on chosen dates. Also, according to Reuter, the pilots can opt for a blank schedule or pick and trade trips.

CNBC published an excerpt from the memo, which is from the United chapter of the Air Line Pilots Association pilots’ union. It said, “Due to recent changes to our Boeing deliveries, the remaining 2024 forecast block hours for United have been significantly reduced. While the delivery issues surround our 787 and 737 fleets, the impact will affect other fleets as well.”

United Airlines is asking pilots to take time off in May because of a shortage of new Boeing planes https://t.co/IZFKBKqsUN

— The Associated Press (@AP) April 2, 2024

The airline previously said it would pause pilot hiring this spring because of aircraft arriving late from Boeing, CNBC reported.

This news comes after United announced the launch of a new digital tool on its app and United.com, making it easier for customers who use wheelchairs to find flights that can best accommodate the specific dimensions of their mobility device.

The airline also announced that eligible customers “may seek a refund of the fare difference if a customer needs to pay more for a flight that can accommodate their wheelchair.”

Additionally, United says it is the first airline to add new, larger overhead bins to its Embraer E175 aircraft. This upgrade may eliminate the need for 1 million annual passengers to gate-check bags on more than 150,000 E175 flights. The new bins will accommodate up to 29 extra carry-on bags on the regional jets, an 80% increase in space.