This archive report was first published on 10 September 2019.
Published on September 10, 2019, Kenya Airways has commenced the hiring of 20 contract pilots for its Boeing 737 fleet to address a severe pilot shortage.
The airline attributes the necessity to hire new captains to shortfalls on the Kenya Airline Pilots Association's (KALPA) hiring, training, and career progression of pilots.
According to a letter from KQ's Director of Operations, the airline has commenced the recruitment of contract captains in compliance with the CBA provisions, citing the need to facilitate route expansion and leave coverage.
The contracts will be for two years, and a summary of the selection process report shall be availed to KALPA, as per the letter.
Kenya Airways also blames KALPA for shutting down multiple proposals to create a new hiring approach, including a 2018 suggestion to hire pilots from Jambojet's retired B737 fleet.
The airline estimates a loss of up to Ksh. 5.1 billion annually resulting from crew shortages, aside from the lost goodwill as a result of flight cancellations and cargo delays.
Kenya Airways has canceled as many as 198 flights due to crew shortages, boasting only 435 pilots against a requirement of 497 pilots as per the airline's fleet.
As a result, the total pilot deficit stands at 106 pilots, with 44 out of the current 435 pilots in training for promotion in line with KALPA's promotion policy.
