#More than 2,000 Delta pilots volunteer to take exit packages

The union representing pilots at Delta Air Lines said Monday that 2,235 pilots volunteered for an early departure package ahead of a Sunday deadline.

News of the buyouts comes amid the crushing blow the coronavirus has dealt to the air travel industry in the US and beyond.

In May, Delta and the Air Line Pilots Association said they were working to avoid furloughs of roughly 2,300 pilots.

On Friday, Delta told pilots it would avoid furloughs if they agreed to reduced guaranteed minimum pay, according to a memo seen by Reuters. As of Friday, more than 1,700 pilots had volunteered, Delta said.

Delta shares fell 2.9 percent during late-morning trading, to $26.28.