Oregon Tech company Intel is facing financial struggles resulting in historic job and spending cuts. Initially reported by Oregon Live, an estimated 15,000 jobs will be eliminated along with cutting nearly $10 billion in spending. Part of the cuts include permanently grounding the Intel Air Shuttle, which flies employees between Hillsboro to Arizona And Silicon Valley.
What Was The Intel Air Shuttle?
Intel created the Air Shuttle as a convenient alternative to commercial air travel. Rather than driving to Portland International Airport employees were able to depart out of Portland Hillsborough airport instead. The other convenience was the lack of having to go through TSA. The air shuttle would operate up to eight times a day using 50 seat Embraer Regional Jets. On paper this may sound more efficient however, having dedicated aircraft does come at a cost. As the company looks to reduce spending costs, one has to wonder if the air shuttle fleet made financial sense compared to flying employees on a commercial airline. Another factor contributing to the Intel Air Shuttle’s demise is the growth of remote workforces and the lack of corporate travel as a whole. Although permanently grounded, the Intel Air Shuttle was a rather unique idea for Intel corporate travel.