Friday, September 12, 2008 - Page updated at 11:20 AM

Alaska Airlines to cut work force, flights

Alaska Airlines is cutting its work force by up to 1,000 people, and its flying capacity by 8 percent.

SEATTLE —

Alaska Airlines is cutting its work force by up to 1,000 people, and its flying capacity by 8 percent.

The Seattle-based airline announced Friday that record oil prices and a softening economy have forced the cutbacks.

The reductions will mean about 15 percent fewer departures, and a staff cut of 9 to 10 percent.

CEO Bill Ayer says the airline is changing its schedules to make sure it is flying the right routes with the right frequency and right aircraft.

Alaska Airlines operates a fleet of 111 Boeing 737s. The airline is canceling low-demand flights on Saturdays and Saturdays, reducing flights in high-frequency markets, operating some flights with smaller planes and cutting some seasonal service to Mexico.

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