TWO leading airlines have hit turbulence as the economic downturn continues.
Up to 600 jobs are at risk at Sir Richard Branson’s airline Virgin Atlantic. And Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair has announced that 200 jobs will be axed at its Dublin headquarters.
Virgin Atlantic said it was consulting staff about the possibility of redundancies “across the business”.
A statement said: “We are keeping our staff fully informed and will be working closely with staff and union representatives in order to find ways to protect as many jobs as possible and avoid compulsory redundancies.”
Virgin Atlantic chief executive Steve Ridgway said: “No airline is immune from the recession and we continue to reshape our business to ensure we’re in the best position for the longer term.
“With falling demand for travel, airlines have to reduce their costs through a variety of measures including cutting capacity, freezing pay, unpaid leave and, regrettably, adjusting staff numbers.
“We need to stay healthy so we’re ready to grow again when economic conditions allow.”
Ryanair blamed the Irish Government’s tourist tax for a decision to take four aircraft out of its Dublin base and dramatically reduce the number of flights this summer.
The cuts will affect pilots, cabin crew and engineers.
Last week, the airline announced 100 job cuts at its Shannon base in the west of Ireland and also warned the knock-on effect could see another 700 support staff axed.
In another blow to the sector, aircraft maintenance firm SR Technics has revealed that 1,135 workers were being laid off after the loss of key contracts with several airlines.
