JetBlue offers some pilots early retirement packages, union says

Cost-Cutting Measures - JetBlue Airways is offering early retirement packages to some of its pilots as part of cost-cutting efforts [1] - The company has opened voluntary separation bids, which will close on February 7 [1] - JetBlue is also implementing initiatives such as introducing new first-class seats to raise revenue [1] Early Retirement Package Details - Eligible pilots must be 59 years old on or before March 31 [3] - The federally-mandated retirement age for U S commercial airline pilots is 65 [3] - Pilots will be paid for 55 hours of their hourly pay rate until their mandatory retirement day or 18 months from the separation agreement, whichever is less [2] - An Airbus A320 captain with 12 years of experience would receive $416,293 02 [2] - An Embraer E190 captain with 8 years of experience would receive $160,858 91 [2] Operational Challenges - JetBlue is dealing with a Pratt & Whitney engine recall that has grounded some of its airplanes [1]