Alaska Airlines to cut 1,000 jobs

Alaska Airlines is not the only airline struggling with high fuel prices

Alaska Airlines says it will cut up to 1,000 jobs and reduce flight departures by 15% as record oil prices and a slowing economy take their toll.

The airline made a $50m (£28m) loss in the first half of the year and said it needed to take "decisive action".

The job cuts, representing about 10% of the workforce, will begin from 9 November and affect pilots, cabin crew, technicians and service staff.

Airline and travel companies are struggling worldwide.

Alaska Airlines chief executive Bill Ayer said "the one-two punch" of record oil prices and a weak economy, on top of increased competition, had hurt the airline.

"Regrettably, a reduced schedule means we need fewer employees," he said.