American Airlines said Wednesday the $1.9 trillion stimulus package, passed on a party line vote by Democrats this week, will save the company from needing to furlough some 13,000 workers.
In a message to employees, first reported by CNN, executives at the company said those furloughs "are happily cancelled."
"We are grateful for the support of our government leaders and their continued acknowledgement of all you do," American Airlines CEO Doug Parker and President Robert Isom said.
NEW: American Airlines is telling 13,000 workers who received notices of April 1 furloughs "you can tear them up!" House passage of $1.9 trillion stimulus bill extends airline Payroll Support Program once again. pic.twitter.com/a23SkVfhwd
— Pete Muntean (@petemuntean) March 10, 2021
In total, the package will prevent 27,000 airline workers from being furloughed, The Washington Post reported, thanks to some $8 billion in direct support.
Airlines have been slashing prices in order to attract wary travelers, with some experts predicting a return to a pre-pandemic "normal" as early as this summer.
Under the new stimulus, employee pay and benefits will be covered by the federal government through the end of September 2021.
President Joe Biden will sign the package into law on Friday.
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