Channel 3 Newshub is reporting that Air New Zealand expects to keep their entire Boeing 777 fleet grounded until April 2021.

According to documents acquired by the broadcaster, Air New Zealand has opted to lay-off their entire Boeing 777 workforce; as well as making large cuts to employees working onboard the 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

Air New Zealand has told employees that the return of travel demand will be slow, the Boeing 777's operation cannot be justified until at least April 2021.

"Based on our forecasted schedule over the next 12 months which includes significantly reduced international travel, we are proposing a reduction of 950 wide-body cabin crew roles," Air New Zealand (obtained by AirlinerWatch)
Air New Zealand will also cut B787 Dreamliner capacity. Picture: Air New Zealand Facebook

Summary of Job Cuts

Position Current Employees Number to be Laid-Off

Pacific Class Cabin Crew

316

316 (All)

Table Source: Channel 3 Newshub

Air New Zealand's Cheif Revenue Officer, Cam Wallace, said that the airline is experiencing a dramatic drop in travel demand.

Forward revenue performance for @FlyAirNZ continues at around 1% of demand. We got one A320 worth of sales yesterday for May travel. June was better at 1.5% albeit that LY was weak! Very keen to see whether the clarification of level restrictions today has an impact. @andykirton

- Cam Wallace (@CamWallace_NZ) April 15, 2020

In a message to crews, senior airline management said that the cost of maintaining employment contracts of "such significant numbers of surplus crew" is not viable.

SamChui.com has contacted Air New Zealand for comment.

Article Sources: Channel 3 Newshub and AirlinerWatch.

Related

tag