Quantcast

JetBlue pilots take early retirement in cost-saving effort

Travelers are taking extreme measures and using hacks to avoid airline baggage fees
Pigeons Cause Chaos on Delta Flight
United Airlines’ Uniforms Get A Facelift—And A Political Filter
United Continues to Face Catering Chaos at San Francisco
Passenger Stows Away on Delta Flight from New York to Paris
Wizz Air becomes first airline to operate P&W-powered Airbus A321XLR jet
Hawaiian Airlines’ new ‘no show’ policy may make travel more expensive
BLIMP-SE OF THE FUTURE Luxury zeppelins of the future from ‘flying bum’ world’s largest aircraft to Google billionaire’s ‘impossible’ airship
Swiss Startup SmartFlyer Develops Hybrid-Electric Trainer
San Francisco-based entrepreneur takes a trip on India's worst-rated airline, his reaction will surprise you
First-Time Flyer at 81: A Grandmother's Memorable Journey
Ryanair forecasts fare rebound as consumers recover from interest-rate hit
Global Airlines Launches Inaugural Flight, Aiming to Revive 'Golden Age of Travel'
Winning routes: American Airlines adds more than 22,000 seats for football fans following release of 2025–2026 pro schedule
Boeing scores Middle East plane deal during Trump visit
Air travel will be ‘worse’ this summer, lawmakers warn — as FAA gives infuriating update on system fixes, staffing issues
Qatar Airways places record $96 billion Boeing order amid Trump visit
United Airlines CEO Reassures Passengers About Newark Airport Safety
American Testing Tech to Help Passengers Make Connecting Flights
British Airways to use AI in efforts to improve operations
American Airlines Tests New Tech to Help Passengers With Tight Connections During Summer Rush
Flight Diverted After Pregnant Woman on Board Goes into Labor and Delivers Her Baby: Report
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby says "this is the most optimistic I've been in my entire career about finally getting the FAA fixed"
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Unveils Plan to Build Brand New, State-of-the-Art Air Traffic Control System
Passenger rushing for next flight can't believe what woman next to her does
Why fuel price crash won’t make flying cheaper
Kristi Noem says travelers without Real ID will still be able to fly after deadline
Frontier Airlines Announces New Routes Launching This Summer, Connecting Baltimore With Chicago O’Hare and Trenton, N.J. With Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Airlines in North America prioritize investments in cyber, AI
The evolution of the airline uniform — a cross check
JetBlue pilots take early retirement in cost-saving effort
Policy
Webp received 1085496320072165
Joanna Geraghty CEO of JetBlue | JetBlue Website

JetBlue Airways has initiated early retirements for 67 of its pilots as part of measures to cut labor costs. The airline and the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), had agreed in January to the Voluntary Early Separation Program (VESP). The program aims to minimize the reduction of captain positions within the company.

In a social media post, JetBlue’s ALPA Master Executive Council expressed gratitude to the departing pilots for their dedication. The union stated, “The VESP is beneficial for JetBlue and some pilots looking to retire.”

JetBlue’s CEO, Joanna Geraghty, during the company's Q4 2024 earnings call, acknowledged the retirement offer as a tactic to manage heightened labor costs amidst challenges such as aircraft grounded due to the Pratt & Whitney issue. CFO Ursula Hurley indicated that the financial impact from the retirement packages would not be too significant.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Wayne Scales, Chairman of JetBlue’s ALPA MEC, noted that around 52 of the planned captain downgrades would be mitigated through the VESP, while pilots confront potential downgrades, decreased income, and base displacements. He highlighted pilots' role in supporting the airline's financial health: “Pilot measures saved the airline tens of millions of dollars,” Scales said.

JetBlue previously recorded a $795 million net loss in 2024, with revenues falling by 3.5% to $9.2 billion. The airline’s ‘JetForward’ plan, introduced in September 2024, aimed at optimizing capacity, addressed 20% of network performance inefficiencies. Yet, ongoing macroeconomic factors, including tariffs and job reductions, have impacted both the aviation industry and JetBlue.

JetBlue issued an investor update in March, ahead of the J.P. Morgan Industrials Conference, which included executives such as President Marty St. George and CEO Joanna Geraghty. It maintained that its Q1 operating revenue guidance remains stable, though ASMs were projected to drop by 5% to 4% year-on-year.

Weather disruptions in February and volatile macroeconomic indicators affected revenue, prompting targeted capacity cuts during March and April. Nevertheless, JetBlue reported stable travel demand during peak periods and expressed satisfaction with progress under the ‘JetForward’ strategy.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

The United States Air Force remains the largest operator of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jet.

Jun 29, 2025

The Brazilian aviation regulatory authority, ANAC, has ordered the permanent closure of Voepass Linhas Aéreas.

Jun 29, 2025

Europe's airline market may soon experience a significant shift as the European Union moves to prohibit airlines from charging passengers extra for hand luggage.

Jun 29, 2025

On June 13, 2025, it was reported that Airbus is set to begin flight tests for two new variants of its popular wide-body jet, the Airbus A350.

Jun 29, 2025

The integration of ITA Airways into the Lufthansa Group marks a significant development in European commercial aviation.

Jun 29, 2025

The geopolitical situation in the Middle East has recently created significant challenges for airlines operating in the region, with sudden airspace closures affecting flight schedules.

Jun 29, 2025