Air Peace Explains Decision To Sack Pilots

By Ayodele Oluwafemi

Air Peace, Nigeria’s biggest airline has traced the decision to sack majority of its pilots to the economic downturn occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The airline noted that the company could no longer fulfill its financial obligations to its over 3,000 workforce, hence the decision to lay off some pilots.

Air Peace, in a statement, on Monday, did not mention the number of pilots that were affected but it was clearly stated that the affected pilots can be recalled when business comes back to normal, if they wish.

The airline stated that it had earlier downwardly review the salaries of its workers by 0-40%, depending on the salary grade of staff, while stressing that the slash did not materialize on its operations, hence, the decision to let some jobs go.

Part of the statement reads, “The Management of Air Peace wishes to state that it has taken a very painful but rightful decision, in the circumstances the airline has found itself as a result of the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on its operations and financial health, to terminate the employment of some of its pilots.

“This decision was taken for the greater good of the company and its almost 3000 workforce, the affected pilots inclusive.

“The airline cannot afford to toe the path of being unable to continue to fulfill its financial obligations to its staff, external vendors, aviation agencies, maintenance organisations, insurance companies, banks and other creditors hence the decision to restructure its entire operations with a view to surviving the times.

“The pandemic has hit every airline worldwide so badly that it has become very impossible for airlines to remain afloat without carrying out internal restructuring of their costs. Anything short of what we have done may lead to the collapse of an airline as could be seen in some places worldwide during this period.

“Therefore, we decided to review the salaries being paid to all staff. The new salaries reflect a 0%-40% cut of the former salary depending on the salary grades of every staff. Even after the cuts, it was obvious that for us to be able to sustain our operations and survive the times, some jobs must inevitably have to go.”

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