Trans States Airlines to lay off 45 pilots

10 June 2008

By Tim Logan

Battered by rising fuel costs, Trans States Airlines said today it will lay off 45 pilots, effective July 1.

The Bridgeton-based regional airline, which contracts with American Airlines, United Airlines and US Airways, is seeing its flights cut back as those airlines reduce capacity. So it will furlough 45 of its roughly 550 pilots.

In recent weeks, as oil prices have spiraled north of $130 a barrel, airlines have been announcing a wide range of cuts in service and staffing.

"The current environment is particularly difficult," said Trans States spokesman Bill Mishk. "What we're trying to do is manage our business."

The 45 furloughed pilots are its most junior first officers, including nine who are finishing training.

Trans States runs about 320 flights a day, nearly half through St. Louis. It's not sure yet how many will be cut, Mishk said.