NetJets Announces Pilot Furloughs

COLUMBUS, Ohio—NetJets Inc. announced Thursday it will furlough up to 495 pilots from its North American fractional operations.

About 100 Central Ohio pilots were to be affected by the layoffs.

The company took this action as part of its continuing efforts to align company costs and staffing with decreased market demand.

“This difficult decision resulted from a comprehensive analysis of current and projected flight demand,” said David Sokol, NetJets chairman and chief executive officer. “As we move forward, we will continue to adjust our operations to meet customers’ needs and act in a fiscally responsible manner. We remain committed to providing uncompromised safety and the highest levels of service to our owners and customers.”

In 2009, the company instituted a voluntary program that included unpaid leaves of absence and early retirements to reduce costs and avoid pilot furloughs. The program, however, was based on projections of a more rapid industry recovery.

NetJets, which is a Berkshire Hathaway company, is headquartered in Columbus with operations in the U.S. and Europe and an affiliation with the provider of the NetJets Middle East Program.

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