Kenya pilot strike off but issues still remain over restructuring

The strike by Kenya Airways expected to take place this month has been averted, according to CEO Mbuvi Ngunze. But in an interview with African Aerospace, he warned that after talks with their union there are still outstanding issues.

He said that while several issues have been resolved between the two sides, there is still a major obstacle as to the number of pilots that will need to be made redundant as part of Kenya Airways’ restructuring programme which includes laying off 600 workers.
“We are trying to find the right balance between those pilots who can voluntarily exit and those who will need to be laid off,” he said.
According to Flightglobal news service the airline is also still seeking buyers for two Boeing 777-200s. According to the agency he describes the market for 777-200s as being “fluid”. The airlines is working with US banking firm PJT Partners to clean up its balance sheet and go to the market long-term to raise money, Flightglobal reported.
Ngunze estimates the Nairobi-based carrier could be profitable within 18 to 24 months.
The full interview with the Kenya chief will be published in African Aerospace next month.