Southwest Airlines has announced its first mass layoffs, cutting 1,750 corporate and leadership positions as part of a broader effort to streamline operations and reduce costs. The layoffs, affecting approximately 15% of its corporate workforce, are expected to save the airline $300 million annually.
The Trump administration has dismissed nearly 300 FAA employees, including maintenance mechanics and aviation safety assistants, raising concerns over aviation safety following recent deadly accidents. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy defends the layoffs, emphasizing that no critical safety personnel were affected, and announces a collaboration with SpaceX to modernize air traffic control systems.
Southwest Airlines is implementing its first-ever mass layoffs, cutting 1,750 corporate jobs as part of a broader strategy to save costs and improve profitability. The move comes amid pressure from activist investor Elliott Investment Management and rising labor costs.