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JetBlue Looks to Trim Pilot Workforce

The carrier announced plans to downgrade over 300 captains.

A JetBlue A320 in Marana, Arizona. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

JetBlue is planning to shake up its pilot workforce next year. On Friday, the airline’s vice president of flight operations Jeff Winter told crew members that it would be implementing captain downgrades and base displacements.

These moves come as the New York-based airline continues to moderate capacity after posting a loss of $60 million in the third quarter. During an October earnings call, company leadership said the airline also plans to ground more Airbus A220 and A321neo aircraft next year due to ongoing Pratt & Whitney engine troubles.

The airline expects the number of grounded aircraft to average in the mid-to-high teens in 2025.

During a Friday meeting with its pilots, Winter said the airline will cut 343 captain positions across its system late next year, according to a source familiar with the discussion. Among the most impacted will be its Los Angeles pilot base, which will see a reduction of 85 captains and 65 first officers.

Downgraded captains will presumably be placed into first officer positions.

No Furloughs

Amid a slew of recently announced furloughs at Spirit and Mesa, JetBlue assured its pilots that no involuntary separations are immediately planned. The carrier has approximately 4,500 pilots in its ranks.

Winter did add that the carrier is in talks with the Air Line Pilots Association — the union representing JetBlue’s pilots — to offer early retirements.

In January, JetBlue offered early buy-outs to several workgroups, not including pilots, flight attendants, or mechanics. At the time, the airline touted its “no-furlough commitment.”

A JetBlue spokesperson was not immediately available for comment.

Ryan Ewing
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  • Ryan Ewing

    Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

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