American (Airlines) outlines layoff plans (1,100 jobs)

[UpInArms]

http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/business/9990796.htm?1c

FORT WORTH - American Airlines will lay off as many as 1,100 pilots, mechanics and ground workers in coming months as the airline struggles to pare expenses -- and more cuts are likely to come in the future.

Jeff Brundage, American's senior vice president of human resources, outlined the first wave of job cuts in a letter to employees Friday. Stressing the company's fragile financial state, he wrote that "unless things change significantly, we know we are in for a difficult winter."

<snip>

According to Brundage, the initial layoffs will include:

* Up to 450 pilots who will be cut by the summer of 2005. The first 125 will be furloughed on Jan. 6.

* Between 300 and 400 mechanics and other maintenance workers will be slashed at the airline's Kansas City, Mo., maintenance base, beginning in mid-November.

* Between 200 and 250 jobs will be cut at American's maintenance operation in St. Louis, also stating in mid-November.

...more...

[mhr]

1. Furious George Screws The Airline Industry Once Again!

eom

[fudge stripe cookays]

2. Just when Dallas' economy started to see a

little of the light of day.

Fuck. I better use those air miles before American goes tits up too.
FSC

[ret5hd]

3. $3.6B cash reserves...

you could probably wait to use your miles for a summer vacation.

[fudge stripe cookays]

5. That's my plan!

;-)

[ret5hd]

6. may all of our jobs last that long. (nt)

[fudge stripe cookays]

7. You said it. n/t

[DemoTex]

4. Oil @ $55 doesn't help.

The airlines will have to be nationalized @ $75/bbl (or sooner). Labor cannot help any more. Airline labor is the tired, longtime banker of last resort. If Bu$h is re-selected he will go the cabotage route. Foreign carriers (ie, Virgin) will be allowed to fly domestic routes in the US. If Kerry is elected he will have a major decision on his hands. Either way, it ain't pretty.

[Sinnerman]

8. NYSE Insiders Think Oil will hit $70.00 A barrell

[Fovea]

9. Expect further contraction in the industry

as oil prices start hitting the industry.
By spring, expect a 30% increase in ticket prices.
Also, if another air travel linked terrorist incident occurs before then, expect a complete free fall of the industry.

On the good side. Amtrak will be rockin through the roof, and even big air supporters like Sens Bond and Roberts and big highway boosters will have to accept the restoration of a national rail system. The next generation of planes will be smaller and far more efficient than the current dinosaurs.

[DemoTex]

10. There will be a morning of stinger missiles. Mark my word.

At 8 am PST the shit will hit the fan. They will shoot down a few dozen on final approach courses across the country. Then where is the US transportation system? We are totally unprotected now. Eh, George?