United Airlines is to axe about 1,200 workers early next year as it cuts its workforce to match its shrinking airline operations amid the recession.

The cuts are the latest of 7,000 the carrier announced it would make by 2009 along with grounding 100 airplanes – about 20% of its fleet.

"These are part of the difficult but necessary actions we are taking companywide to enable United to compete in this challenging economic environment," said United spokeswoman, Megan McCarthy.

Source: Routes News