NetJets Aviation confirms that it intends to furlough up to 495 of its pilots, effective January 2010, after a memo on the cuts was released yesterday by the NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots (NJASAP) executive board.

"This difficult decision resulted from a comprehensive analysis of current and projected flight demand," said Chairman and CEO David Sokol. "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."

Back in April, both sides launched the Joint Preventive Measures Campaign, which gave pilots a menu of voluntary options to avoid furloughs, including early outs, long-term leave, personal leave and reduced schedules (BA April 27/195). The early-out option provided incentive pay from between 15 months and three years, depending on length of service.

But despite campaign, which launched May 11, NetJets says the initiative is no longer sustainable, according to NJASAP. "A second attempt to stave off a furlough was made late last month when the executive board presented a series of concepts to senior NetJets executives; however, the most recent effort did not come to fruition," it added.

"Although the furlough could not be prevented, NJASAP maintains a tireless commitment to protecting the professional interests of its members and to supporting our furloughed pilots," said NJASAP President Capt. Mark Luthi. "As the NetJets restructuring effort continues, the union remains willing to engage in mutually beneficial talks intended to hasten our pilots' return to the flight line."

Photo credit: NetJets