Southwest Airlines’ chief operating officer has told staff there are “difficult decisions” ahead, as the troubled airline seeks to move back to profitability under pressure from activist investor Elliott Investment Management.

The airline isn’t planning to announce furloughs, but it could cut its footprint in certain cities and staff could transfer to other locations.

The remarks come amid pressure from activist investor Elliott Investment Management, which has advocated for numerous changes at Southwest to improve its financial performance.

Southwest Airlines is making major changes, including assigned seating and network adjustments, as it seeks profitability under pressure from Elliott Investment Management.

Steps Southwest Airlines has already announced, including ditching a 50-year history of not assigning seats, offering a premium product and beginning

Southwest Airlines has warned employees that it will soon make tough decisions as part of a strategy to restore profits and counter demands from activist investor Elliott Investment Management, Bloomberg News reported on Saturday.

The faltering airline's leadership is preparing a series of cost-cutting measures to counter an activist investor's attempt to revamp the c-suite, according to a Bloomberg report.