Coronavirus: Kenya Airways Sends Employees On Unpaid Leave, Reduces Flights As Revenue Sickens

As measures to curb the spread of the Coronavirus intensify in Kenya, the economy is getting sicker by day. Kenya being a business hub is largely affected by the low key lockdown in the region and industries are now taking intense measures to help in the fight against COVID19.

Kenya Airways, in particular, has suspended tens of flights in each region and is now anticipating a nosedive in revenue if the COVID19 situation worsens. The flag carrier airline has put out a notice to its employees asking employees to go on unpaid leave, take a pay cut among other measures as a result of multiple flight suspensions.

In a statement; “All employees who will not be required at work will take their annual leave with immediate effect,” CEO Allan Kilavuka also said the management team will take a 75 percent pay cut due to the pandemic.

 The airline has said the measures are meant to avoid a mass layoff of its employees and they will be reviewed on a monthly basis depending on the situation on the ground. Employees will then be contacted by department heads respectively. The Board of Directors has also suspended payment of sitting allowances and monthly fees as a reiteration to the challenging financial times. The CEO also agreed to a 35 percent salary cut and executive committee members a 25 percent cut.

Local flights reduced

 Jambojet has announced a local flight reduction to Mombasa, Malindi, Ukunda, Kisumu, and Eldoret. The weekly flights will now be as follows;

1. Mombasa – 28 weekly flights

2. Malindi – 10 weekly flights

3. Ukunda – 7 weekly flights

4. Kisumu – 13 weekly flights

5. Eldoret – 13 weekly flights

“All affected passengers have been contacted and updates to their flight schedule communicated. We sincerely regret the inconvenience this will cause.” Read a statement from Jambojet. The regional carrier has said reviews will be done from time to time depending on the volume of bookings.