This archive report was first published on 15 October 2019.
Kenya Airways, once the pride of Africa, has been plagued by a pilot shortage that has resulted in consecutive losses for over a decade. The airline records a staggering Sh5.18 billion loss annually, with flight cancellations being a major contributor to this financial burden.
As of now, Kenya Airways has 435 pilots, short of the required 497. This shortage has led to a stalemate in salary talks between the airline's management and the Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA).
According to a letter dated October 14, 2019, from KALPA's General-Secretary Murithi Nyagah to the outgoing Chief Executive Sebastian Mikosz, the association has suspended participation in CBA negotiations due to 'gross violations of the CBA and the lack of goodwill thereof from management.'
'The Association hereby suspends participation in CBA negotiations due to gross violations of the CBA and the lack of goodwill thereof from management,' Captain Nyagah stated.
Furthermore, KALPA has filed a dispute in court after the talks slumped. The letter also notified KALPA members that the union had declared a trade dispute at the Ministry of Labour.
'CBA negotiations will remain suspended until such a time we feel we are engaging in a fair and honest industrial climate. To this end the executive council is left with no choice but to declare a trade dispute at the Ministry of Labour,' the letter read.
Kenya Airways' management has been criticized for its handling of the pilot shortage, with some suggesting that hiring 20 pilots for Boeing 737 planes would be a viable solution. However, this proposal has been strongly opposed by KALPA, citing the need for a more comprehensive solution.
Currently, 44 of the 435 pilots are undergoing training due to the airline's promotion policy, which has further exacerbated the shortage.
Kenya Airways' woes are a stark reminder of the challenges facing the aviation industry in Kenya. As the airline continues to struggle, it remains to be seen how the management will address the pilot shortage and get the airline back on track.
