Union says Jet2 is set to axe more than 100 pilots

More than 100 pilots at Leeds-based Jet2 will be made redundant after the airline rejected alternative proposals, according to the pilots union.

In June, the British Airline Pilots’ Association union (Balpa) said the low cost carrier had outlined plans to cut 102 pilot jobs after flights were grounded as a result of the pandemic.

On Saturday, Balpa confirmed Jet2 was moving forward with the cuts even though the union had recommended alternatives.

Commenting in The Guardian newspaper, Balpa’s general-secretary, Brian Strutton, said: “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.”

Jet2.com has responded: “We are greatly distressed and deeply regret these redundancies that are entirely caused by the current situation.”

Strutton has called for more support for the industry, which has also been badly hit by new quarantines on travellers from different holiday destinations, including Spain and France.

He said: “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.”

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