Delta/Northwest to cut 2009 capacity 6%-8%, cites 'economic hurdles'

Source: ATW Daily

" Delta Air Lines said yesterday that systemwide capacity for both it and new subsidiary Northwest Airlines will be down 6%-8% in 2009, comprising a 3%-5% international cut and an 8%-10% domestic reduction. The capacity down-gauging from 2007 to 2009 collectively will total around 20%, equaling the capacity slashed by United Airlines over the two-year period. It likely will necessitate further job cuts, DL CEO Richard Anderson and President Ed Bastian told employees in a memo. "We are analyzing the impact on staffing as it pertains to these capacity reductions and, as in the past, we will offer voluntary programs to adjust staffing needs," they wrote. "We will continue to make decisions that are in the long-term interest." DL's 2008 voluntary severance offer was accepted by 4,000 employees (ATWOnline, June 16)." La suite.