It just laid off nearly 2,000 people. As many people have noted on Shitter and elsewhere, it's never before done layoffs. Not even in COVID.
Now, those are all corporate staff, so airports won't be affected. It's about 15 percent of the head office people.
Meanwhile, at least one BlueAnon is already trying to make this about Trump, even while ignoring that Southworst offered buyouts in November. That, in turn, was caused by aircraft delivery delays from Boeing. Said person claimed that Trump's immigrant roundup would depress international tourism and non-tourism flights, not only ignoring the buyouts, but also ignoring that Southwest has a modest number of Mexican and Caribbean flights and otherwise doesn't fly outside the US.
Per that buyouts link, American also offered buyouts in November. Southwest, through attrition, had been cutting staff since late 2023. And, CEO Bob Jordan said then that he wasn't done reducing staff.
So, this is not "panic time" for Southwest, but it is a new day.
(Update, March 13: What IS a REALLY new day is Southwest ending "bags fly free." My analysis and hot take is here.)
If it's panicky anywhere, it should be Boeing.
American, as well as Southwest, has cited delayed deliveries from Boeing as one factor in decision-making, including on employment levels. Southwest added that it expects to take fewer Boeing deliveries this year. And, as I write this, I don't think Boeing has yey cleaned house — or mentalities — as much as it needs to over 737 MAX8 and related issues.
As for Southwest and Elliott? After the airline's current poison pill expires, I expect Paul Singer to be hanging ghoulishly outside the door again.
EDIT: Addendum because MAGAts — none of this is to say that Southwest is not worried about general travel headwinds becoming yet more adverse in the future because of Trump. (The first person who liked this on Shitter was one of them.)
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