Southwest’s no-layoff streak comes to an end, New York restaurants face inspection delays, and Gensler designs a sustainable showpiece stadium in Egypt. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday.
Southwest Airlines announces first-ever layoffs
Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock
For the first time in its history, Southwest Airlines will cut approximately 1,750 jobs—15 percent of its corporate workforce—in a move to curb rising costs. The layoffs, impacting senior leadership and directors, reports Fortune, come as the airline shifts its business model to include premium seating and redeye flights. Despite improving financial performance in late 2024, Southwest cited inflationary pressures and labor costs as key challenges. The cuts, expected to save $210 million in 2025, mark a significant shift for a company long known for its employee-first culture.
IHG won’t meet its 2030 climate goals
Holiday Inn Express Munich City West; photo courtesy of Adobe Stock
IHG Hotels & Resort’s carbon footprint has risen 7.2 percent since 2019, casting doubt on its ability to meet its 2030 climate target, according to the company’s chief sustainability officer Catherine Dolton. While emissions intensity per room has improved, overall emissions have grown due to rapid expansion and slow clean energy adoption in key markets, according to Skift. Since it owns just 16 of its nearly 6,700 hotels, IHG can only seek to encourage its owners to reduce emissions through training, setting energy reduction targets, mandating energy conservation measures, and developing programs for properites to access renewable power purchase agreements.
Gensler unveils striking design for Al Ahly’s first home stadium
Al-Ahly Stadium in Cairo, Egypt; rendering courtesy of Gensler
In line with the exploding sports tourism market, Gensler has revealed its design for a 42,000-seat stadium outside Cairo for Egypt’s Al Ahly soccer club. The undulating façade—clad in digital screens—will create a dynamic visual identity that displays light shows at night, according to Dezeen. A sunken pitch, designed for passive cooling and to comply with height restrictions due to the venue’s proximity to Sphinx International Airport, enhances both sustainability and spectator immersion. Double-tiered stands wrap around three sides to heighten fan engagement, while an arched window on the fourth side frames views from a public square, reinforcing the stadium’s connection to its surroundings. Supported by a cable-net structure, the asymmetric roof will ensure unobstructed sightlines. A cornerstone of the Al Ahly Club Sports City masterplan, the stadium will also host other large-scale events throughout the year.
NYC restaurant health inspections face major delays
Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock
Budget cuts and staff shortages at New York City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOH) are leaving restaurants in limbo, some waiting over a year for reinspections after they have addressed violations—far longer than the pre-pandemic wait of just a few months, writes Eater. Some have even resorted to obscuring or misrepresenting their grades in frustration. With fewer inspectors handling more than 48,000 restaurants, businesses have little recourse, while the grades impact their reputations and bottom lines. Despite the system’s flaws, the city’s grading program remains popular with the public—even if many don’t fully understand its implications.
Four ways to shine: Don’t miss out!
2024 HD Awards finalist Hotel Palau Fugit in Girona, Spain, designed by El Equipo Creativo; photo by Salva Lopez
Submissions close today for the 21st annual HD Awards, celebrating the best in project and product design, while students can showcase their creativity in the West Elm Student Product Design Competition (deadline: March 14th). The HDAC Awards of Excellence (deadline: March 14th) honor those making a lasting impact on the industry, and the ISHP Vendor Quality Award (deadline: February 24th) recognizes outstanding manufacturers. All honorees will be celebrated during the HD Awards ceremony on May 6th at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas during HD Expo + Conference. Don’t miss your chance to be recognized!
