70 Western Global pilots remain furloughed as MD-11s stay grounded

Western Global Airlines has furloughed about seventy pilots and provided no timeline for when they may return, a furloughed pilot told Cargo Facts . “They only gave us one-day notice of being furloughed,” the pilot, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said. “I was shocked. We were all shocked, because we didn't see it coming.” [caption id="attachment_56864326" align="aligncenter" width="1573"] (Photo/Western Global Airlines)[/caption] WGA issued a furlough notice to some of its employees Nov. 21 in response to an FAA emergency airworthiness directive (AD) on Nov. 8. The AD, which requires all MD-11s to undergo inspections before they can fly again, followed the Nov. 4 crash of a UPS 1991-vintage, CF6-powered MD-11F (48417) at Louisville, Ky. (SDF), that killed fourteen people. Western Global has about fifteen MD-11Fs, but only a handful had been active in the past ninety days. Its only other aircraft are four 747-400Fs, three of which are actively flying. The airline has about 150 pilots. WGA has not replied to multiple requests for comment from Cargo Facts . MD-11F inspections WGA said in its Nov. 21 memo that the mandatory MD-11F inspections will take longer than hoped, as Boeing has advised invasive inspections, repairs and part replacements. This will lead to “an extended MD-11 fleet for an undeterminable period of time,” the memo said. WGA sent an email today to furloughed pilots to answer frequently asked questions, a copy of which was forwarded to Cargo Facts . One question was whether aircraft maintenance had already looked at WGA’s MD-11s to check their status . WGA’s answer: “Boeing and the FAA have not approved any inspection criteria at this time. The company has opened the area of concern (aft pylon of No. 1 and No. 3 engines) and done a detailed visual inspection and is now waiting on the FAA-approved inspections to be finalized.” Pilot concerns MD-11F pilots were paid on Nov. 20 for half of their guarantee for November — a guarantee of 8.5 days worked — plus any overtime/additional pay from October, WGA said in today's email. On Dec. 5, any pilots who worked more than 8.5 days in November will be paid the balance of days worked. However, for pilots who worked fewer than 8.5 days in November, "the Nov. 20 check would be their last check while on furlough unless per diem is due," the email read. “We were told that we are paid protected, so the whole month of November would be protected,” the pilot told Cargo Facts . “We were working a seventeen-on, thirteen-off schedule, so all seventeen days were to be paid. “Unfortunately, with the grounding of the airplane, they sent us all home, so we couldn't work more than five or six days,” the pilot said. In response to a question regarding benefits, WGA said in today's email that benefits will continue through Dec. 31, but that "this will be reevaluated in December pending progress and updates from Boeing." WGA will hold a conference call each week with the pilots' union, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), and will provide email updates to pilots weekly, according to the email. ALPA declined to comment to Cargo Facts , saying that the "situation is in flux." Seeking alternatives In another question, MD-11 pilots asked if they could transition to flying the 747. WGA responded that this was not an option at this time. WGA responded to another question about non-flying work with the company by saying there is no additional office work currently needed. Some WGA pilots are now looking for employment elsewhere. “I personally have three interviews next month lined up,” the pilot told Cargo Facts . “I know about fifteen [other pilots] who have something coming up, too.” In addition to needing a steady paycheck, especially ahead of the winter holidays, the pilot said they and their colleagues are displeased with how WGA has handled the situation. “The management has been really silent about what's going on,” the pilot said. “Even if you don't have anything, say something to us.” Register here for Cargo Facts ’ free webinar, “Full thrust: Navigating engine challenges in the freighter segment,” on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 11 a.m. ET. Cargo Facts LATAM 2026, the essential event for stakeholders in Latin America, will take place Feb. 10-12 at the Marquis Reforma in Mexico City. Learn more and register by Dec. 26 to take advantage of early-bird pricing. Cargo Facts Asia 2026, the indispensable event for Asia-Pacific stakeholders, will take place March 23-25 at the W Shanghai. Learn more and register by Feb. 6 to take advantage of early-bird pricing. The inaugural Cargo Facts Routes and Airport Conference will take place April 27-28 at the Marriott Al Forsan Abu Dhabi. Learn more and register by March 13 to take advantage of early-bird pricing.

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