Dallas-based 
Southwest Airlines
is attempting to address overstaffing concerns at some airports. Leaders sent a memo to ground operations, cargo, and provisioning employees on Friday indicating that the airline is offering voluntary separations.
The carrier’s staffing overfill, which is reportedly linked to aircraft delivery delays
, does not seem to be a concern at all of its destinations. However, staff at nearly 20 airports – some of which Southwest has a large presence at – will be receiving information about voluntary separation, in addition to select positions at its headquarters.
“Support the long-term viability”
Aviation watchdog JonNYC was the first to report the development. In a leader update to staff, Chris Johnson, Southwest’s Vice President of Ground Operations, along with Cole McGuire, the carrier’s Ground Operations Strategy & Planning Vice President, and Wally Devereaux, Vice President of Cargo & Provisioning, said the voluntary separations would “help align” the airline’s staffing target.
“As you know, the Company has experienced aircraft delivery delays, resulting in changes to our plan and reductions in capacity, which has also led to overstaffing in some locations and Teams. As the Company plans for moderating capacity growth, we are introducing a 2024 Voluntary Separation Program (VSP 24) to help align our staffing numbers with our business and support the long-term viability of our Company.”
Who’s eligible?
Johnson, McGuire, and Devereaux went on to explain that the VSP 24 will be offered to both contracted and non-contracted employees “who meet the eligibility criteria,” which include customer service agents, ramp agents, cargo agents, and provisioning agents.
Photo: Southwest Airlines
The program is also extended to operations agents, ramp supervisors, provisioning supervisors, assistant managers, and operations managers.
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The leaders said those eligible at the following 18 airports “will receive information about the VSP 24 package in the coming days”:
- Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)
- Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
- Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
- Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP)
- Dallas Love Field (DAL)
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
- Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Long Beach Airport (LGB)
- Miami International Airport (MIA)
- Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)
- Portland International Airport (PDX)
- Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)
- San José Mineta International Airport (SJC)
- John Wayne Airport (SNA)
- Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Photo: Southwest Airlines
The move comes as Southwest plans to significantly scale back its operation in Atlanta.
Simple Flying previously reported that the low-cost carrier expects to reduce over 300 pilot and flight attendant roles at Hartsfield–Jackson by April of next year
. The airline has been focused on growing its overall revenue – under the pressure of Elliott Investment Management, which owns 10% of its common stock.
Making the appeal
Johnson, McGuire, and Devereaux highlighted that current employees
who are close to retirement “within the next few years” may want to consider voluntary separation. They also said it “may be appealing” for staff who wish “to go back to school, would like to spend more time with family, or have other interests in taking time away from work.”
Photo: Robin Guess | Shutterstock
Select employees at Southwest’s headquarters in Dallas will also receive information about the VSP 24 package. The memo states that all staff in the selected locations “will have several weeks to review the resources and decide whether the package suits their current needs.”
It is not clear what will happen to employees who decline the package. Simple Flying reached out to Southwest on Saturday, but was unable to receive an immediate response. Those who choose to voluntarily separate are reportedly subject to a resignation
date of December 30, 2024.
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