United Airlines Cuts Pilot Hours Due to Boeing Delivery Delays, Impacting Summer Travel Capacity

United Airlines has asked pilots to take unpaid leave in April due to delayed Boeing aircraft deliveries, which could extend into the summer and fall. This will reduce United's flight capacity.

Boeing's delivery delays of new aircraft will impact other airlines too, likely leading to rescheduled flights, higher ticket prices, and reduced capacity.

The Boeing delays come at a bad time, with summer being one of the busiest travel periods. June 2023 is expected to be the busiest month at US airports since July 2019.

Boeing's troubles producing 737 and 787 aircraft are hurting airlines globally that were counting on new plane deliveries to meet strong travel demand.

Separately from the Boeing issues, United had a series of recent safety incidents that has prompted increased FAA oversight of its operations for compliance with regulations.