Southwest Airlines Puts New Pilot Training, Promotions on Hold With 737 Max Still Grounded

With no end in sight to the grounding of Boeing 737 Max jets, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines is postponing new hire training and some promotions.Dallas-based Southwest Airlines said two new-hire classes for pilots and two upgrade classes for existing pilots will be put on hold because it is operating a smaller fleet with the Boeing planes out of service.Those classes were set to take place between September and December. Upgrades are when pilots are promoted from first officer to captain, usually with a significant pay bump."Once we have more clarity on the return-to-service date of the MAX, and future MAX delivery timelines, we will look toward reinstating classes, as needed, to support the expected growth of our fleet," said a statement from Southwest Airlines spokesman Chris Mainz.  Continue reading...