Alaska Airlines Cuts 200 Staff Amid $147M Loss

Alaska Airlines will eliminate roughly 200 non-union jobs by Friday, November 13, as the carrier seeks to offset rising fuel expenses. The cuts target back-office and management positions while leaving frontline operations intact.

The airline posted a $147 million loss in the third quarter, its third consecutive quarterly deficit. Despite this loss, revenue climbed 14% to reach $4.3 billion. Management attributes the financial strain to volatile fuel prices and geopolitical pressures, factors that have driven fuel expenses up by an estimated $1.8 billion this year.

The workforce reductions will be concentrated in two states. One hundred forty-eight employees in Washington will lose their jobs, while 48 staff members in Hawaii will be affected. These roles sit outside the unionized groups that make up the core flight crews.

Chief Executive Ben Minicucci warned that the full-year loss could reach $700 million if current market conditions persist. He noted that the company maintains the right strategy and strong momentum, yet faces heavy financial pressure from external forces. "Despite having the right strategy and strong momentum, fuel prices and geopolitical challenges are putting significant financial pressure on our business," Minicucci said.

Pilots, flight attendants, ramp agents, and maintenance technicians will not be part of the reduction. The carrier continues to pursue an expensive growth strategy that includes a merger with Hawaiian Airlines. It is also planning new routes to Europe and Asia, a move that requires strict cost control across other departments.