Southwest Airlines cuts pilots' hours as Boeing delivery delays persist

Southwest Airlines has reportedly cut pilot hours and pay as a result of the continued aircraft delivery delays from Boeing, sources had told Reuters. A Southwest spokesperson said: ""Southwest has not formally proposed a voluntary time off program to SWAPA, and no agreement has been reached between the two parties. We're working with the union to address any change necessary as the schedule for aircraft deliveries fluctuates."" The airline, which operates Boeing aircraft exclusively, said in its first quarter earnings call that it had dropped its Boeing deliveries from 79 out of its 85 contractual deliveries from Boeing for the full year to 46 aircraft. Southwest CFO Tammy Romo said it cut its expectations down further as the quarter progressed down more than half to 20 aircraft deliveries. Romo added it had received five aircraft during the first quarter from Boeing. ""I won't downplay the challenges from the Boeing issues,"" its CEO and president Robert Jordan said in an earnings call. ""They are a big deal and contribute to changing capacity set."" Its disappointing first quarter earnings, which saw the airline's net losses full further year-on-year to $231 million, coupled with the delivery delays, drove the company's decision to limit its hiring and offering voluntary time off programs to its staff. Management said it expects to end 2024 with 2,000 fewer staff in comparison to the end of last year.