China News Service, April 2. Comprehensive foreign media reported on the 1st that a notice sent to pilots by United Airlines showed that the company asked pilots to take unpaid leave in May due to delayed delivery of Boeing aircraft.
Image source: Screenshot of CNN report
According to the US Consumer News and Business Channel (CNBC), United Airlines confirmed the request for unpaid leave. The airline also previously said it would suspend pilot hiring in the spring of 2024 due to delays in the delivery of Boeing Co. aircraft.
The joint chapter of the American Airlines Pilots Association said in a note to members last week that "United's remaining forecasted flight hours for 2024 have been significantly reduced due to recent changes in our Boeing deliveries. Delivery issues surround our The 787 and 737 fleet, other fleets will also be affected."
According to the report, according to a document submitted by the company in February, United's 2024 contract was to receive 43 Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft and 34 Max 9 aircraft, but it is now expected to receive only 37 and 19 aircraft respectively. The company had expected Boeing to deliver 80 Max 10s in 2024 and 71 in 2025. However, the company also said that the model has not yet been certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), so it has been removed from the delivery schedule.
In addition, a number of safety incidents have occurred on Boeing aircraft in recent times, causing concern. Not long ago, a panel of an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft fell off in the air, forcing the flight to make an emergency landing. United Airlines Boeing passenger planes have experienced multiple accidents, including engine fires, tires falling off, and skidding off the runway.