Southwest to Cut 15% of Corporate Jobs in First-Ever Layoffs (2)

Southwest Airlines Co. will cut about 1,750 jobs in its leadership ranks, a dramatic step to reduce expenses that mark the first layoffs in the carrier’s history.

The pullback will impact 15% of corporate positions, including senior leadership and directors, the airline said Monday in a statement. The reductions start in late April and will be “substantially complete” by the end of the second quarter.

“This is a very difficult and monumental shift,” Chief Executive Officer Bob Jordan said in a letter to workers. “With the best intentions, the growth of our leadership and noncontract functions have outpaced our ...