Pilots call for furlough extension

Pilots’ union BALPA says that, with the end of the furlough scheme weeks away, 98% of pilots it has surveyed do not believe that the transport secretary supports the aviation and travel industry, and that half of them said they will struggle to cover essential bills if furlough isn’t extended beyond 30 September.

The union says that, after 18 months with travel being at a loss making 10% of its pre-Covid levels, the government must support the industry through the winter. It is calling on the transport secretary to back a six month extension to the furlough scheme.

BALPA acting general secretary Martin Chalk said: “Our current transport secretary has presided over the worst two summer seasons in aviation’s global history, and we have lost confidence in his support for aviation. Now is his last chance to back a sector so crucial to the economic recovery we know we need."

https://www.balpa.org/Media-Centre/Press-Releases/New-survey-shows-98-of-pilots-do-not-have-confide