In an effort to save expenses and boost profitability, Southwest Airlines will relocate 340 crew members and lower the number of flights it operates in Atlanta.
Investor pressure to reduce costs and adjust to changing market conditions prompted the airline to make this move.
By April 2025, Southwest Airlines will have significantly reduced its Atlanta operations, cutting flights to 21 locations from 37 and servicing from 18 to 11 gates.
As a result of the airline’s cost-cutting measures, 340 crew members—200 flight attendants and 140 pilots—will need to migrate to other cities.
Southwest emphasized in a memo to staff members that there would be no layoffs but that these adjustments were required to address ongoing financial difficulties.
The airline stated, “We simply cannot afford continued losses and must make this change to help restore our profitability,” stressing that the choice was not based on worker output.
The layoffs coincide with Southwest’s preparations for its investor day, when company leaders are anticipated to present their plans for increasing profitability.
The airline has had difficulties such as shifting reservation trends, oversupplied markets, and delays in Boeing’s delivery of new aircraft.
The airline’s move was met with criticism from unions that represent pilots and flight attendants, who raised issues with transparency and the effect on employees.
In the interim, Southwest intends to expand its network in other areas, including Nashville, and overnight services from hawaii.
