In a move to improve cost management, Delta Air Lines announced that it is reducing certain corporate positions. The move is aimed at addressing the various challenges posed by increased fuel and labour costs in the aviation industry.
These staff reductions follow Delta’s earlier announcement that it will suspend its flights between Tel Aviv and New York until 21 November 2023 due to escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Delta didn’t mention the exact number of jobs being eliminated, but as per a spokesperson these are relatively minor changes in in corporate and management roles. Additionally, the spokesperson revealed that the cuts won’t impact employees on the front lines, such as pilots, flight attendants and mechanics.
In a statement to the media, the airline revealed that it’s not operating at its full capacity yet, but it’s a good time to change its plans, budgets, and how the company is organised to achieve its goals. The job cuts are also a part of this strategy.
Headquartered in Atlanta, Delta currently employs approximately 1,00,000. It’s a significant increase from the end of 2021 when it had around 83,000 employees.
The airline had persuaded many of its employees to accept buyout offers during the pandemic, when travel demand had significantly declined.
In October, the company revised its projected annual profit due to increased fuel expenses. It is expected that rising fuel prices will result in an additional $400 million in costs for Delta during the latter half of the year.
