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.

Southwest Airlines has warned employees that it will have to make “difficult decisions” ahead to boost profits as the carrier faces pressure from activist Elliott Investment Management, which has sought leadership changes at the company.

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

The airline plans to eke out more revenue through changes to its route and flight network, its COO told employees.

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

The airline over the summer revealed significant changes to its more-than-50-year-old business model in order to boost profitability. The carrier has plans to switch to assigned seating, start red-eye flights and sell seats with extra legroom.

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.

Southwest Airlines ($LUV) released a memo in recent days telling employees that there are “difficult decisions” ahead as the company seeks to