United Airlines requests pilots take voluntary unpaid leave

United Airlines has reportedly asked its pilots to take voluntary unpaid leaves in May due to Boeing delivery delays. The airline had already paused pilot hiring due to the delays and new aircraft certification.

The Air Line Pilots Association chapter of United highlighted reductions in forecast block hours for 2024, mainly affecting the 787 and 737 fleets.

In aviation, block hours refer to the time frame from when the flight door closes for departure to when it lands and opens for arrival.

Southwest and Alaska Airlines are also contending with Boeing’s delivery delays, prompting them to reassess operations.

Southwest is revising its 2024 financial guidance and halting pilot and flight attendant recruitment, while Alaska’s 2024 capacity estimates remain uncertain due to delivery delays.