United Airlines (UA, Chicago O'Hare) will reportedly outsource over 600 positions at 12 US airports as part of a cost-cutting drive. Reuters newswire reports that 637 jobs in the airline's baggage handling, ticket and gate agent sectors in Salt Lake City, Charlotte International, Pensacola Gulf Coast Regional, Detroit Metropolitan and Des Moines will be affected.

Affected employees may stay on with the airline if they are willing to relocate to another airport, the carrier said.

The move is seen against the backdrop of United Continental Holdings' decision to downgrade its Cleveland Hopkins operations from hub status earlier this year.