American Airlines and United dismiss thousands of employees as of today

Air traffic is far from returning to its normal level

American Airlines and United announced Wednesday that they will begin to order the cutting of more than 30,000 jobs after the failure of negotiations to extend U.S. government aid to the air sector, affected by the pandemic. Both companies said they could cancel their resignations if the Republican and Democratic leaders reach an agreement in Washington in the next few days. American Airlines indicated that it will begin to order the dismissal of 19,000 employees on Thursday. United said it will cut some 13,000 jobs.

"We will reconvene the affected team members" if the leaders reach an agreement, said American Airlines executive director Doug Parker in a letter to employees to which AFP had access. United did the same in a message to employees, also consulted by AFP.