US-based Southwest Airlines has announced plans to lay off employees at a total of four airports, including two in Southern California.

In a statement, the company confirmed that the redundancies will begin in June and will affect staff at Los Angeles (LAX), Burbank, San Jose, and Baltimore airports.

Alternatives to Be Offered

Southwest officials stated that affected employees will have the opportunity to apply for other open positions within the company or accept severance packages that will be offered to them.

A First in Company History

This decision follows the airline’s announcement last month that it would cut approximately 15% of its corporate workforce, affecting 1,750 employees. These layoffs marked the first mass redundancy wave in the company’s history.

Why the Job Cuts?

Southwest is working to reduce operational costs due to global economic fluctuations, rising expenses, and increasing competition within the aviation industry. Additionally, as the airline industry continues its post-pandemic recovery, the company is focusing on the sustainability of workforce costs.