The US Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) data for August shows US scheduled passenger airlines employed 1.7% fewer workers in August 2010 than in August 2009. This is the 26th consecutive decrease in full-time equivalent employee (FTE) levels for the scheduled passenger carriers from the same month of the previous year.
BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, reported that the August FTE total of 377,835 for the scheduled passenger carriers was 6,469 below that of August 2009.
Five network airlines decreased employment from August 2009 to August 2010. The sixth network carrier, Delta Air Lines, after completing its merger with Northwest Airlines, is reporting combined employment numbers in 2010 and reported 6.2% more FTEs in August 2010 than the combined totals of both carriers for August 2009. Network airlines operate a significant portion of their flights using at least one hub where connections are made for flights to down-line destinations or spoke cities.
AirTran Airways was the only low-cost carrier to report a decrease in employees from August 2009. Six low-cost carriers reported an increase in employment. Regional carriers Comair, Horizon Air, Mesa Airlines, Air Wisconsin Airlines, Mesaba Airlines, Shuttle America Airlines, and Lynx Airlines also reported reduced employment levels compared to last year.