The Singapore Airlines (SIA) group will be cutting around 2,400 positions across its airlines in Singapore and across its overseas stations.
The group has about 27,619 staff, according to figures released in its latest annual report.
“This decision was taken in light of the long road to recovery for the global airline industry due to the debilitating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the urgent need for the group’s airlines to adapt to an uncertain future,” says SIA in a filing on September 10.
“Discussions have begun with our Singapore-based unions. The group will work closely with them to finalise the arrangements as soon as possible for those affected, and try to minimise the stress and anxiety on our people,” it adds.
The group previously indicated that it expects to operate at under 50% of its capacity at the end of FY20/21 compared to its pre-Covid levels.
The group’s airlines will also operate a smaller fleet for a reduced network compared to their pre-Covid operations in the coming years.
According to SIA, the group said it originally needed to cut some 4,300 positions. However, the numbers were previously mitigated by a recruitment freeze in March 2020, natural attrition, an early retirement scheme for ground staff and pilots, and a voluntary release scheme for cabin crew. The measures allowed the group to already eliminate some 1,900 positions.