DALLAS — Southwest Airlines has announced an "unprecedented" mass layoff, cutting over 1,700 jobs. Monday, Southwest announced it is cutting 15% of its corporate and leadership workforce. "This decision is unprecedented in our 53-year history," Southwest President and CEO Bob Jordan said in a statement.

The airline's Executive Vice President & Chief Transformation Officer Ryan Green's departure coincides with the company’s first major layoffs in its history. Southwest said his departure is unrelated to the 11 senior officials laid off earlier this week.

The company said this departure is separate from the 11 other senior level positions that were laid off in February.