"United Airlines Urges Pilots to Take Unpaid Leave Amid Boeing Delivery Delays"

United Airlines is asking its pilots to take unpaid time off due to massive production problems at Boeing, including delays in delivering new planes and safety issues with existing ones. The airline's reduced staffing request comes after reports of major production delays and safety incidents, leading to frustration with Boeing and consideration of alternative suppliers. United has asked Boeing to stop building Max 10s and start building Max 9s due to certification delays, and the relationship between the airline and its primary plane manufacturer may become even tenser if these problems affect the summer travel season.