United Airlines Faces Pilot Surplus Due to Boeing Delivery Delays

United Airlines has requested pilots to volunteer for unpaid leave next month, attributing the surplus to ongoing delays in Boeing aircraft deliveries.

United Airlines asked pilots to take unpaid time off due to excess staffing, a consequence of Boeing's aircraft delivery delays.
The airline expects to receive only 63 of the 165 Boeing aircraft it contracted for 2024, significantly impacting pilot flying hours.
Boeing's delivery issues stem from supply-chain delays and increased FAA scrutiny following safety incidents.
United has paused pilot hiring and expects to slow its growth in 2024, while also exploring the acquisition of Airbus jets to mitigate the impact.
Boeing's troubles, including a production limit imposed by the FAA, are affecting other airlines and could lead to increased ticket fares.