This archive report was first published on 14 October 2019.
Kenya Airways has been struggling with a pilot shortage, losing Sh5.18 billion ($50 million) annually, with only 435 pilots against a requirement of 497.
The airline's director of operations, Paul Njoroge, revealed that 44 pilots are undergoing training due to the current promotion policy, exacerbating the shortage.
On October 14, 2019, the Kenya Airline Pilots Association (Kalpa) suspended talks with Kenya Airways management after General-Secretary Murithi Nyagah wrote to the outgoing Chief Executive Sebastian Mikosz, citing 'gross violations of the CBA and the lack of goodwill thereof from management.'
According to the letter, Kalpa had filed a dispute in court after the talks collapsed, and negotiations would remain suspended until a 'fair and honest industrial climate' was established.
Kenya Airways has insisted on hiring 20 pilots for the Boeing 737 planes, despite opposition from the union.
As the dispute continues, the airline's pilot shortage remains a pressing issue, with significant financial implications.
