THOUSANDS of aviation jobs are at risk due to the coronavirus crisis, unions and industry bodies have warned.
Less than two weeks on from the collapse of Flybe, Airlines UK said that the future of the aviation industry in the UK is at risk.
“The time for action is now. No more delays or prevarication or bean counting. We’re talking about the future of UK aviation,” said the body.
Bosses at Virgin Atlantic have written to Boris Johnson, calling for a £7.5 billion package to support carriers.
The Unite union has said that without the Government's help, thousands of jobs are under threat in the industry.
Last week Unite revealed that Swissport is planning to axe up to 95 jobs at Belfast City Airport following the collapse of its anchor airline, Flybe.
The company, which operates baggage handling and ground services at the airport, launched a 30-day consultation with staff. The union said as many as 95 could lose their job by April 11.
Unite yesterday published a four-point plan, drawn up with three other unions from across Europe, to save the industry.
It includes a call for the Government to make contributions to cover workers' pay to ensure that the UK's aviation infrastructure remains intact, and the consideration of taking a financial stake in airlines and airports to help ensure their survival.
The union is also calling for a delay in taxes being collected and the suspension or reduction of air passenger duty (APD).
Meanwhile EasyJet became the latest airline to cancel all flights to Spain. The budget airline said on Sunday that it will pull all flights from March 17 until March 29.
A limited number of ‘rescue flights’ will operate to get passengers home.
The move Followed Jet2’s announcement on Saturday, which prompted some flights to turn around mid-journey.
