JetBlue aims to trim 200 pilots through voluntary separation agreement

JetBlue is aiming to shed 200 of its oldest pilots, balancing the workforce against its revised (and lower) growth plans for the next few years. The airline and the pilot union agreed to terms last week on a Voluntary Early Separation Agreement (VESP) program.

Under the program up to 200 Captains will receive a lump sum buyout. Their departure will offset “a planned Downgrade in the planned Supplemental System Bid” for pilots who remain at the carrier, according to the agreement.

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Terms of the JetBlue/ALPA VESP

Under the agreement pilots aged 59 or older as of 31 March 2025 are eligible to apply for the buyout. Should more than 200 apply they will be accepted based on system seniority order.

Those who are accepted will receive a one-time payout:

[Fifty-five (55) hours] x [the Program Participant’s hourly pay rate as of the VESP Effective Date] x [EITHER eighteen(18) months OR the number of months from, and inclusive of, the month of the Program Participant’s VESP Effective Date until, and inclusive of, the month in which the Program Participant would reach the FAA mandatory retirement age (65 years of age), whichever is less] x [1.17].

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JetBlue’s move follows an even more aggressive play by Spirit Airlines, announced last October, as that carrier also seeks to shrink its operations following the collapse of the Spirit/JetBlue merger. Spirit furloughed 186 pilots in September 2024 and plans to furlough another 330 next week. Another 120 captains will be downgraded to first officer at that time.

Separately there are reports JetBlue brought a second E190 flight simulator back online to handle pilot training backlogs. The type remains slated for retirement on 2 September 2025 as it is replaced by the A220s.