United cuts 13 high-level executives as travel demand ‘still a very long way from where it was’

United on Friday said it’s planning to cut 13 of its 67 officers in an effort to save money as the coronavirus continues to keep a lid on travel demand. The carrier, like its competitors American and Delta, is offering voluntary separation options and other packages to thousands of employees. Layoffs or cuts to pay rates are prohibited through Sept. 30 under the terms of $25b in federal aid for the airline industry, though some carriers have cut workers’ schedules. The executives’ departures are effective Oct. 1. “While there are glimmers of good news in our July schedule — we expect to be down about 75% versus 90% right now — travel demand is still a very long way from where it was at the end of last year and the financial impact on our business remains severe,” United said. The cuts to the officer-level jobs include those working on the airline’s network, regional hubs and in community engagement. United declined to say how much money the resulting reorganization will save the company. United’s new CEO, Scott Kirby, who took the reins last week, told a webcast investor conference on Thursday that filing for bankruptcy is not “even remotely” in the cards for the airline, calling it “the dumbest question possible.”<br/>