United Airlines warns it needs to axe 2,850 pilot jobs

United Airlines Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:UAL) has warned it needs to cut 2,850 pilot jobs as the clock runs down on US government aid to airlines. Government supports provided as the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic came with protections against job losses, with clauses preventing cuts until October 1. Now, as talks to extend further assistance to the industry stall, United revealed it will axe more pilots than rivals Delta Air Lines Inc (NYSE:DAL) and American Airlines Group Inc (NASDAQ:AAL) which earlier this week estimated 1,900 and 1,600 cuts respectively. United, which is more exposed to international routes than its rivals, said estimate of 2,850 cuts is based on current travel demand for the remainder of 2020 but its view would remain ‘fluid’ in regard to the resurgence of COVID-19. Group-wide United cautions that up to 36,000 jobs are at risk though more precise estimates were not disclosed in work groups other than pilots. American Airlines earlier this week said it would be cutting 19,000 jobs, which is about 30% of its workforce. In New York’s out-of-hours deals, United Airlines stock was priced up 1.91% at US$36.91. AAL stock, meanwhile, was indicated 2% higher at US$13.54 and Delta was priced up 1.7% at US$31.35.