Kaplan out as part of United’s restructuring

Jill Kaplan will leave her role as president of the New York/New Jersey region for United Airlines as of Sept. 30 in a cost-cutting move by the airline necessitated by the dramatic drop in airline travel since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kaplan is one of 13 senior leaders that are part of a 30% reduction in workforce. It is unclear if anyone will replace her in that role — or if her duties will be taken over by a different senior-level employee.

Airline travel has dropped by as much as 95% during the pandemic — and it is expected to stay lower in the near future, as consumers likely will be more hesitant to travel and social distancing guidelines will impact revenue opportunities on each flight.

Kaplan has become a fixture in the New Jersey business community, joining a number of organizations — including Choose New Jersey —as well as becoming a regular panelist, speaking about the industry, the airline and United’s desire to become more involved in the New Jersey business community. She joined United in November 2017.

United is one of the largest employers in New Jersey; it had more than 14,000 employees before the pandemic.

Kaplan was not immediately available for comment.