United Offering $100K Packages to Departing Flight Attendants

United will offer packages to flight attendants with the most seniority. (Photo: Thinkstock)

In an attempt to thin out its abundant fleet of flight attendants, United Airlines announced on Monday that it will be offering six-figure buyouts to qualifying employees.

The airline will offer $100,000 payouts to flight attendants who meet its eligibility requirements, according to the Chicago Tribune. The packages will be given based on seniority.

United is the only major U.S. carrier that has seen a loss in profits this year, according to Bloomberg.

The carrier could offer the package to up to 2,100 flight attendants over the next two years, airline spokesperson Meghan McCarthy told the Tribune. The Association of Flight Attendants is working closely with the airline on the negotiations.

“Employee morale is critical. This early out package and end to furloughs and other staffing disruptions is reached outside of contract negotiations,“ the Association of Flight Attendants said in a statement.

The airline is also recalling 1,450 furloughed flight attendants who took a voluntary leave.

“Recalling furloughed flight attendants and aligning our staffing to match our flying schedule will further facilitate the company and AFA reaching a joint collective bargaining agreement,” Mike Bonds, executive vice president for human resources and labor relations at United told the Los Angeles Times.

“It’s another positive step in what has become a productive relationship with AFA.”