United touts efficiency in move to shrink some widebody crews

United Airlines will cut a flight attendant position from some of its international aircraft in a drive to improve efficiency and keep costs in check. The carrier will reduce the number of cabin crew by 1 on long-haul flights operated with Boeing 757-200, Boeing 767-400ER, Boeing 777-200, and Boeing 787-8 and -9 aircraft from Feb 1, 2019, says United's VP of inflight services John Slater in a letter to staff. At the same time, it will add 1 crew member to 777-300ER flights when "loads permit". The changes, he says, will allow United to "operate more efficiently and align with our peers". The new staffing numbers on long-haul 757, 767, 777 and 787 flights will match those on American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, says Slater. United has committed to reducing or keeping unit costs excluding fuel flat through 2020. <br/>