PITTSBURGH —Action News Investigates has learned UPMC started using a new $50 million corporate jet less than a year before announcing 1,000 layoffs.

UPMC officials said the jet is an efficient way to conduct business. They have leased a similar jet in the past. However, some nurses dealing with staff shortages said they were outraged not only by the jet but also by UPMC paying millions to its former CEO.

According to the flight tracking site JetSpy, UPMC started leasing the 2023 Bombardier Global 6500 in May 2023. UPMC did not disclose the cost of leasing the plane. According to Bombardier, the jet seats up to 17 passengers and can fly up to 6,600 nautical miles.