Southwest still negotiating compensation from Boeing

DALLAS (AP) — Southwest Airlines continues to negotiate with Boeing over damage caused by the grounding of the 737 Max.

Southwest Chairman and CEO Gary Kelly said Monday in a note to employees that the airline is considering ways to share the compensation with workers.

Kelly isn’t giving details about negotiations with Boeing.

Southwest has 34 Max jets and more on order. It has taken the planes out of its schedule through Jan. 5 — longer than American and United.

Max jets have been grounded since March, after two deadly accidents. Boeing hopes to get them flying again later this year.

Boeing took a $4.9 billion after-tax charge in the second quarter to cover Max-related compensation to airlines. Boeing delivered nearly 400 of the planes before they were grounded.