US Airways Layoffs To Affect Charlotte

On the heels of announcing 1,000 layoffs, US Airways CEO Doug Parker met one on one with Eyewitness News to discuss how the layoffs will affect the hub at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport.

"Just a handful of layoffs here in the Charlotte area, not related to flying in and out of Charlotte," he said.

He said there are fewer pilots to train after closing hubs in Pittsburgh, Las Vegas and LaGuardia, so the flight training portion of the Charlotte hub will be reduced.

The economic outlook for US Airways in 2010 looks grim. This year, so far, analysts report a loss of $600 million and predict more to come in the fourth quarter.

Passengers can expect a $20 fee for checking one suitcase. Also, flights during the upcoming holiday season will be pricier. But options for flights from Charlotte will expand. Direct flights from Charlotte-Douglas will be offered to Honolulu and Rio de Janeiro in December.

US Airways pilots are frustrated with the layoffs, claiming service to US Airways customers will decline.

"Whether you are flipping burgers or flying airlines, if your employees aren’t happy and you don’t treat your employees right, they are not going to treat your customers right," said Capt. James Rey.