American Airlines May Lay Off Thousands

Fort Worth, Texas (WFAA) – Fort Worth-based American Airlines warns that it may have to furlough thousands of employees

Two American Airlines executives are warning that decreased travel volumes means the company may have to furlough up to 13,000 employees, according to a letter sent to employees Wednesday.

CEO Doug Parker and President Robert Isom wrote that without an extension of the Payroll Support Program beyond the end of March, they will have more employees than the flight schedule requires.

In a letter to employees, American Airlines executives said slow vaccine distribution and increased COVID-19 requirements continue to depress passenger numbers.

Based on current projections, AA said it will not fly its full fleet of aircraft for the summer season.