Southwest Airlines recently announced it would fire around 2,000 employees and close operations at four different airport locations worldwide.
The prominent airline company revealed the news on April 25, 2024, affecting employees of Southwest Airlines in the U.S.
Southwest Airlines To Lay Off 2,000 Employees, Halt Service At 4 Airports https://t.co/OCDwKVMNBq #OAN
— One America News (@OANN) April 25, 2024
The news comes after American Airlines and Southwest Airlines reported significant financial losses in the first quarter of 2024. The airline companies have dealt with higher labor costs and delays in receiving new planes from Boeing. As such, they have been unable to add more flights as demand for travel increases.
American Airlines reported losing over $300 million as labor costs increased 18% and Southwest Airlines disclosed a loss of $231 million, with the airline’s CEO saying the company was acting rapidly and dealing with delays in the deliveries of new planes.
One America News (OAN) pointed out that Southwest Airlines will close its operations at Cozumel International Airport in Mexico, Syracuse Hancock International Airport in New York, Bellingham International Airport in Washington and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas.
In a statement, Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan said, “While it is disappointing to incur a first quarter loss, we exited the quarter with healthy profits and margins in the month of March. We are focused on controlling what we can control and have already taken swift action to address our financial underperformance and adjust for revised aircraft delivery expectations.”
“The recent news from Boeing regarding further aircraft delivery delays presents significant challenges for both 2024 and 2025,” Jordan added.
Jordan continued by saying that the airline company is focused on reaching its financial goals and adjusting to plane delivery plans.
“We are focused on achieving our financial prosperity goals and creating value for our Shareholders, while we adjust to changes in our aircraft delivery plans, Customer travel patterns and preferences, higher fuel prices, and other cost pressures,” he said.
