Kenya-based state-owned carrier Kenya Airways posted a historic loss of $330 million for 2020 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, media reports said. The carrier is awaiting a $91 million bailout package from the government.
Kenya Airways’ Chairman, Michael Joseph told the media, “The Covid-19 global outbreak in 2020 was beyond anyone’s prediction, and its impact on the industry is expected to continue affecting air travel demand for the next two to three years.”
In January, Kenya Airways suspended flights to France and Netherland due to the rising number of cases of Covid-19. Kenya Airways suspended its flights from Nairobi to Charles de Gaulle Airport in France and the Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands. Kenya Airways said in a statement, “The temporary suspension is due to the new Covid-19 regulations in Europe that have resulted in depressed demand.”
In August last year, it was reported that Kenya Airways planned to slash 590 jobs in the second phase. The carrier eliminated 700 members of staff in the first phase. However, the entire process had targeted 1,500 employees including pilots, cabin crew, technical department among other divisions.
The Kenyan Aviation Works Unit was against the fresh round of pay cuts and non-payment of deferred salaries that was imposed by Kenya Airways. Kenya Airways workers faced pay cuts, however, the Kenyan Aviation Works Unit opposed the decision, terming it illegal, media reports said.