Dallas-based Southwest Airlines is attempting to address overstaffing concerns at some airports. Leaders sent a memo to ground operations, cargo, and provisioning employees on Friday indicating that the airline is offering voluntary separations. The carrier’s staffing overfill, which is reportedly linked to aircraft delivery delays , does not seem to be a concern at all of its destinations.
However, staff at nearly 20 airports – some of which Southwest has a large presence at – will be receiving information about voluntary separation, in addition to select positions at its headquarters. “Support the long-term viability” Aviation watchdog JonNYC was the first to report the development. In a leader update to staff, Chris Johnson, Southwest’s Vice President of Ground Operations, along with Cole McGuire, the carrier’s Ground Operations Strategy & Planning Vice President, and Wally Devereaux, Vice President of Cargo & Provisioning, said the voluntary separations would “help align” the airline’s staffing target.
“As you know, the Company has experienced aircraft delivery delays, resulting in changes to our plan and reductions in capacity, which has also led to overstaffing in some locations and Teams. As the Company plans for moderating capacity growth, we are introducing a 2024 Voluntary Separation Program (VSP 24) to help align our staffing numbers with our business and support the long-term viability of our Company.” Who’s eligible? Johnson, McGuire, an.