SALT LAKE CITY — The economy has claimed more Utah jobs as SkyWest Airlines announced Thursday it will cut 170 positions from its Salt Lake workforce.
The reductions will come from the ground handling crew at Salt Lake International Airport, said corporate communications manager Marissa Snow. The layoffs are a result of service reductions on several of the daily flights operated in conjunction with Delta Connection.
She said the cuts would be effective late next month and would affect baggage handlers and ticket agents who are SkyWest employees that serve Delta Connection flights.
"The Delta Connection schedules from Salt Lake will be seeing capacity reductions. As a result, we'll be initiating a reduction in force," Snow explained. "It's an economic decision based on (reduced passenger) demand (and) the volatile price of fuel."
Headquartered in St. George, SkyWest employs approximately 11,000 workers in more than 160 locations nationwide, including about 3,000 personnel in Utah.
SkyWest operates more than 500 Delta Connection flights from Salt Lake City.
A spokesman for Delta Airlines said the Atlanta-based carrier typically reduces capacity every fall in response to decreased demand during the autumn travel season. But this year, the high price of fuel has prompted an even steeper schedule reduction than normal.
"Energy costs are up significantly," said spokesman Trebor Banstetter. "And for airlines, the price of jet fuel has skyrocketed this year."
The airline will cut its worldwide flight schedule by about 12 percent this fall to mitigate rising operating costs, he said, adding that increased expenses are really the main focus of this decision.
"We can fly a lot more efficiently … and still serve our passengers in way that helps us compensate somewhat for this big increase in fuel prices," he said.
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