American Air Sees 19,000 Job Cuts Once U.S. Payroll Aid Ends
- Reduction heralds broader industry layoffs amid weak demand
- Carrier says extended federal support would avert furloughs
Photographer: Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg
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American Airlines Group Inc. will cut 19,000 workers once federal payroll aid expires Oct. 1, capping a 30% workforce reduction since the coronavirus pandemic began to torpedo travel demand.
About 17,500 employees will be furloughed, meaning they are eligible to be called back when conditions improve, and 1,500 previously announced cuts to management staff will take effect, the airline said by email Tuesday. American is the first major carrier to disclose how much it will shrink operations as it adjusts to passenger numbers that are down 70% from last year.