United Airlines to cut more than 16,000 jobs on slump in travel

United Airlines Holdings Inc. plans to eliminate 16,370 jobs next month as the carrier shrinks operations in response to the steep decline in travel demand amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The furloughs announced Wednesday will take effect as soon as Oct. 1, the expiration of a six-month restriction on job cuts imposed in exchange for payroll aid under the U.S. CARES Act. To date, about 7,400 United employees have chosen to exit the company voluntarily, while 20,000 are on temporary leave. United’s reductions would coincide with the 19,000 job cuts planned by American Airlines Group Inc. Both carriers said the only thing that would avert the furloughs would be an extension of government aid to...