Almost 17,000 Southwest Employees Accept Buyouts Or Extended Leave

Southwest Airlines faces financial challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to 4,400 employees opting for early retirement and 12,500 taking extended leave. CEO Gary Kelly expressed gratitude for the employees' response. The company needs passenger numbers to triple by year-end to avoid layoffs. Southwest received over $3 billion in federal aid and is considering an additional $2.7 billion loan, with a decision due by September's end.

What was one of the major impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on Southwest Airlines?

• Hiring more staff

• Increased passenger numbers

• Financial losses

• Expansion of routes

How many employees chose to retire early from Southwest Airlines?

• 3,000

• 12,500

• 4,400

• 5,000

What did CEO Gary Kelly say about the employee response to early retirement and extended leave?

• He was surprised

• He was disappointed

• He was indifferent

• He was very pleased

What must happen to passenger numbers by the end of the year to avoid layoffs?

• Triple

• Remain the same

• Decrease

• Double

How much additional loan is Southwest Airlines considering from the Treasury Department?

• $3.5 billion

• $4 billion

• $2.7 billion

• $1 billion