Bristow Sacks Over 100 Pilots, Engineers

A private airline operator, Bristow Helicopters has sacked moe than 100 pilots and engineers due to the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on its business.

The company in a statement issued on Tuesday said it is painful but os a decisive step to ensure continuity of its business and delivery of essential services to its clients.

“This decision has not been made lightly, but having considered the state of the business and the very serious constraints caused by the spread of COVID-19 and the downturn in the oil and gas market, the company must now take this painful, but decisive step to ensure the continuity of its business and delivery of essential services to its clients,” the statement read.

“One of these measures includes the right-sizing of the business to ensure that the company has the optimal level of personnel to continue the safe delivery of its services to its clients, whilst allowing the appropriate capacity for future growth.

“Accordingly, and with much regret, the company has taken the very difficult decision to release over 100 pilots and engineers (both national and expatriates) over the next couple of weeks.”

Bristow, however, said it has engaged the leadership of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) to negotiate fair and equitable compensation for the affected individuals.

The company added that in compliance with the terms of employment, the affected individuals will be paid three months’ salary (excluding applicable deductions) following their exit from the company.

In a related development, a Nigerian airline, Air Peace sacked 70 pilots and supporting staff on Monday also due to the pandemic.