BALPA union in talks to find Monarch pilots new roles
BALPA, the British Airline Pilots’ Association union, has confirmed it is in talks with 30 different airlines to help get 400 pilots back into work following the collapse of Monarch Airlines.
Last week, the airline confirmed it had ceased trading and entered administration, amid reports 1,800 employees were made redundant, and several hundred more head office staff are set to lose their jobs.
And yesterday Recruiter reported low-cost Hungarian airline Wizz Air will host two recruitment days next week as part of its recruitment drive for 1,300 cabin crew and pilot roles.
BALPA revealed in a tweet Wizz Air is one of a number of airlines including Virgin Atlantic, Thomson, West Atlantic, Flybe and BA Cityflyer that the union has been in talks with about the redeployment of Monarch pilots.
After being approached by Recruiter, the union revealed further details in a statement about its work to help the 400 former pilots it represents land jobs.
BALPA general secretary Brian Strutton said: “BALPA has been busy supporting our Monarch pilots since the devastating news of the company’s insolvency broke.
“We have lined up potential job opportunities with 30 different airlines and we have arranged our ‘Flight Crew Futures’ event to take place on 17 October at Gatwick, and we encourage all Monarch pilots to attend. We have also arranged some interview training for members to help prepare them for the process.
“We hope to get as many pilots as possible into new jobs as soon as we can so that their skills aren’t left to go to waste.”
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