May 18, 2013
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- Pinnacle Airlines, which has sought federal bankruptcy protection, will furlough 450 of its pilots over the next 18 months.
This decision is the first indication of how the airline's reorganization will affect its 8,000 employees.
Pinnacle is based in Memphis and flies commuter routes for major carriers. The company's work for United Express and US Airways Express will be eliminated by November. It will continue commuter flights for Delta Air Lines.
Nearly 2,000 of Pinnacle's employees are in Memphis.
The Air Line Pilots Association said the furlough estimate is in line with what the union expected.
A furlough isn't a layoff and employees can be called back, but furloughs can last for years.
