In a Tuesday message to employees, President Robert Isom and Chief Executive Doug Parker relayed news of the furloughs, explaining “It was assumed that by Sept. 30, the virus would be under control and demand for air travel would have returned. That is obviously not the case.”
American Airlines is not alone in the pandemic. United Airlines issued a letter to 36,000 employees warning them their jobs are at risk, although it remains unknown as to how many jobs will be cut.
Delta Airlines has said they will lay off 1,941 pilots if an agreement cannot be reached with their union to reduce other costs.
The only airline to make it through this affair unscathed is Southwest Airlines, which claims it can make it through the year without having to cut employees.
Airline representatives and union officials have advocated for another round of funds from Congress to ensure job security for people through March 2021. The idea has generated bipartisan support but has stalled recently as talks between Republicans and Democrats over the next coronavirus relief package hit roadblock after roadblock.
