Pilot crisis grows at giant company

Switzerland ’s national airline, Swiss, has announced that it will cancel around 1,400 flights through October due to a shortage of pilots . The decision particularly affects short-haul European routes and some long-haul lines, while flights to major destinations such as Shanghai and Chicago will also be reduced. In addition, summer flights to popular Egyptian holiday destination Hurghada have been completely suspended.

Swiss expressed great sorrow over the situation and emphasized that short-term solutions are being worked on to close the gap. The company aims to alleviate the need for around 70 additional pilots through measures such as voluntary retirement deferrals, a holiday buyback program and encouraging part-time pilots to increase their working hours.

Working with pilot union Aeropers, Swiss aims to reduce last-minute absences and fatigue-related problems in particular.

Odatv.com