American Airlines to slash 19,000 jobs in October without aid

American Airlines passenger planes on the tarmac at Miami International Airport in Miami, Florida. /VCG Photo

American Airlines plans to cut its workforce by 19,000 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on air travel.

According to Reuters, Chief Executive Doug Parker and President Robert Isom said in a memo to employees that the plan could be avoided if the government extends stimulus funding.

The airline had a workforce of 140,000 employees by March.

The planned job cuts comprise 17,500 furloughs of union workers -including 1,600 pilots and 8,100 flight attendants - and 1,500 management positions.

The U.S. is the world's hardest-hit country by the COVID-19 pandemic, having reported more than 5.7 million infections and over 177,000 deaths.

American said last week it was suspending flights to 15 small U.S. cities in October without more federal aid, which required a certain level of flying.

Among other large U.S. carriers, United Airlines (UAL.O) has sent notices of potential furloughs to 36,000 employees, while Southwest Airlines (LUV.N) has said it hopes to avoid involuntary cuts this year, according to Reuters.

Delta Air Lines (DAL.N) announced on Monday furloughs of nearly 2,000 pilots but has said the numbers could be reduced if they agree to a cut in minimum pay.