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http://www.asiaone.com/Travel/News/Story/A1Story20090621-149855.html
Sun, Jun 21, 2009
The Straits Times
Jetstar seeks pilots for contract work
By Nicholas Yong
JETSTAR Asia is hoping to contract pilots who have been laid off by other airlines or forced to take unpaid leave to work for as few as 50 hours a month.
A full-time pilot clocks, on average, 90 hours a month.
The budget airline is also hoping to attract pilots who want to fly fewer hours for personal reasons.
Jetstar has received fewer than 10 applications so far, but expects to have more. It hopes to recruit at least 10 contract pilots.
The low-cost carrier expects to take delivery of at least three more aircraft by the end of the year, and will need more than 20 additional pilots.
Even with the economic downturn, budget airlines are continuing to expand their routes and take on new aircraft. Jetstar competitor AirAsia on Thursday announced a firm order for 10 Airbus A-350 aircraft for its low-cost long-haul affiliate AirAsiaX.
Jetstar Asia chief executive officer Chong Phit Lian said the scheme granted flexibility to both sides.
'We have more choice in the kind of employee we can recruit, while these pilots can choose the kind of lifestyle they want,' said Ms Chong.
She said applicants must first meet Jetstar's base terms, such as a minimum number of flying hours, and must pass health checks.
The scheme offers a solution for pilots who are out of work but who need to maintain flying currency, or relevant experience.
Faced with falling passenger traffic, airlines have resorted to cost-cutting measures, including asking staff to take unpaid leave.
The International Air Transport Association recently forecast a US$9billion (S$13billion) loss for airlines this year, with Asia-Pacific carriers expected to be hardest hit.
Singapore Airlines (SIA) has persuaded some of its cargo and passenger pilots to take no-pay leave of up to two years. While the airline declined to confirm the number, as many as 50 cargo pilots were reported to be going on unpaid leave, according to media reports.
SIA said these pilots had the option of working for other companies, subject to approval on a case-by-case basis.
Elsewhere in the region, 90per cent of Cathay Pacific's pilots have agreed to take unpaid leave.
Captain P. James, the president of the Airline Pilots Association-Singapore, said the scheme was a 'very good idea'.
'It provides some alternative employment opportunities,' he said, noting that the level of interest would depend on the total package.
'It's not just money people are after. Everyone has different needs and lifestyles.'
He declined to comment on how many of his members are on unpaid leave, as the figures will be finalised only at the end of the month.
[email protected]
Sun, Jun 21, 2009
The Straits Times
Jetstar seeks pilots for contract work
By Nicholas Yong
JETSTAR Asia is hoping to contract pilots who have been laid off by other airlines or forced to take unpaid leave to work for as few as 50 hours a month.
A full-time pilot clocks, on average, 90 hours a month.
The budget airline is also hoping to attract pilots who want to fly fewer hours for personal reasons.
Jetstar has received fewer than 10 applications so far, but expects to have more. It hopes to recruit at least 10 contract pilots.
The low-cost carrier expects to take delivery of at least three more aircraft by the end of the year, and will need more than 20 additional pilots.
Even with the economic downturn, budget airlines are continuing to expand their routes and take on new aircraft. Jetstar competitor AirAsia on Thursday announced a firm order for 10 Airbus A-350 aircraft for its low-cost long-haul affiliate AirAsiaX.
Jetstar Asia chief executive officer Chong Phit Lian said the scheme granted flexibility to both sides.
'We have more choice in the kind of employee we can recruit, while these pilots can choose the kind of lifestyle they want,' said Ms Chong.
She said applicants must first meet Jetstar's base terms, such as a minimum number of flying hours, and must pass health checks.
The scheme offers a solution for pilots who are out of work but who need to maintain flying currency, or relevant experience.
Faced with falling passenger traffic, airlines have resorted to cost-cutting measures, including asking staff to take unpaid leave.
The International Air Transport Association recently forecast a US$9billion (S$13billion) loss for airlines this year, with Asia-Pacific carriers expected to be hardest hit.
Singapore Airlines (SIA) has persuaded some of its cargo and passenger pilots to take no-pay leave of up to two years. While the airline declined to confirm the number, as many as 50 cargo pilots were reported to be going on unpaid leave, according to media reports.
SIA said these pilots had the option of working for other companies, subject to approval on a case-by-case basis.
Elsewhere in the region, 90per cent of Cathay Pacific's pilots have agreed to take unpaid leave.
Captain P. James, the president of the Airline Pilots Association-Singapore, said the scheme was a 'very good idea'.
'It provides some alternative employment opportunities,' he said, noting that the level of interest would depend on the total package.
'It's not just money people are after. Everyone has different needs and lifestyles.'
He declined to comment on how many of his members are on unpaid leave, as the figures will be finalised only at the end of the month.
[email protected]
