Unusual number of Southwest Airline (LUV, $54.82) flights cancelled over maintenance issues
Southwest Airlines is experiencing some difficulties as 100 of its flights were recently cancelled, more than any other U.S. airline, and more than 1,000 delayed over maintenance issues. As a result, the airline has announced an ‘operational emergency’ due to the unusual number of grounded jets.
Generally, the company plans to have as many as 20 aircraft removed from service for unexpected maintenance issues every day. 'Hundreds' is a different story altogether, and signals bigger problems at the airline.
This means that the percentage of out-of-service aircrafts among its available fleet of about 750 Boeing 737s has been at least double the daily average.
The airline has subsequently announced a re-haul of its mechanics to address the maintenance items and quickly return aircraft to service. Reportedly, the company has given an ultimatum to its mechanics saying that they must turn in a doctor’s certificate if alleging illness or risk losing their job.
Further, vacations will only be available to those mechanics whose requests have already been approved. For now, the airline will assign them overtime.
On Saturday, 39 Southwest flights were cancelled, more than other airlines, according to FlightAware.
