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Jet2 ‘greatly distressed’ at pilot redundancies
Jet2 says it ‘deeply regrets’ having to make over 100 pilots redundant amid the coronavirus downturn.
The airline is to make 102 pilots redundant across most of its bases.
BALPA, which represents the airline’s pilots, has put forward a range of options to save jobs, but says each one has been turned down.
BALPA General Secretary Brian Strutton said: "This announcement is yet another which shows the desperate state of the British aviation sector.
"Despite enormous efforts to work with Jet2 to find ways of saving these jobs the airline is insisting on 102 redundancies.
"This will be a particular kick in the teeth as many of those who may lose their jobs have recently joined the airline after having been dismissed from Thomas Cook which went into administration last year.
"BALPA will be supporting our pilot members in Jet2 and every other airline where they are facing the threat of losing their jobs.
"The government has a significant role to play in supporting the vital British aviation industry. Its quarantine changes keep throwing every restart plan into chaos.
"If these quarantines are really needed the Government must stump up the support to help the airline industry which is doing its best to get back on track but keeps being knocked back at every juncture."
A Jet2 spokesperson said: ”We are greatly distressed and deeply regret these redundancies that are entirely caused by the current situation.”
Meanwhile, Jet2 has extended suspension of its Algarve programme to 24 August. The operator had hoped it could restart flights and holidays to the Portuguese destination on 16 August.
By Lisa James, Deputy Editor (UK)
Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
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