This archive report was first published on 21 April 2020.
Published on April 21, 2020, Norwegian Air has announced a massive layoff of 4,700 pilots and crew members as it struggles to cope with the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The airline has suspended all its international flights, and the company has also declared its Swedish and Danish subsidiaries bankrupt.
According to Norwegian Air CEO Jacob Schram, 'The impact the Coronavirus has had on the airline industry is unprecedented. We have done everything we can to avoid making this last-resort decision, including asking for access to government support in both Sweden and Denmark.'
However, the layoffs will not affect approximately 700 pilots and 1,300 cabin crew based in Norway, France, and Italy, as the Norwegian government pays for all salary-related costs throughout the duration of the furlough period.
Meanwhile, South Africa's national airline, South African Airways (SAA), has announced plans to fire all its staff with effect from April 30, 2020, as it faces collapse due to the pandemic.
As one of the world's largest low-cost airlines, Norwegian Air's decision to lay off thousands of employees highlights the severe impact of COVID-19 on the global airline industry.
