Aviation Economy Deteriorating, Tough Decisions Necessary: Indigo

GoAir has said it has terminated contracts of expat pilots amid curtailed operations due to the pandemic.

Image for representational purposes only. 

( Photo: Reuters) 

Economic environment in aviation sector has deteriorated significantly and it has become necessary to initiate some tough decisions over the next few days and weeks, said IndiGo's flight operations chief Ashim Mitra to pilots in an email on Thursday, 19 March.

With countries sealing their borders partially or fully across the world due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, aviation sector has been hit extremely hard,as most airlines globally have drastically curtailed their flight operations.

“Please keep taking all the precautions against COVID-19 and we shall overcome any challenge as long as we stand strong and tall against these headwinds,” he said.

"It has become a necessity to initiate some tough calls and we are working on a string of measures that will be shared and implemented over the next few days and weeks," Mitra said.

Asking the pilots to not believe any hearsay, Mitra added that the airline will keep them updated.

Coronavirus Impact

GoAir on Wednesday, 18 March said it has terminated contracts of expat pilots amid curtailed operations due to the pandemic.

Citing an "unprecedented" decline in air travel, the budget carrier announced it was suspending international operations and offering leave without pay programme to its staff on a rotational basis.

(This article has been published in arrangement with PTI)