The SIA Group, which owns Singapore Airlines, SilkAir, and budget airline Scoot, removed more than 4,000 employees as part of cost-cutting measures presented by the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic. However, around 2,400 of those were actually laid off while the rest went on voluntary unpaid leave in exchange for a promise to return to their jobs when the situation was more favorable.
All-in-all, the Singapore Airlines staff was cut by around 15% as a result of these layoffs and voluntary early retirement schemes. In addition, the airline also announced hiring freezes for an undefined period.
The worst is over
Fast-forward to nearly two years later, and the aviation industry seems to be on the path to recovery from the horrors of this pandemic. The same airlines are now spending billions to boost capacity for the upcoming summer travel season. Even airports are preparing themselves to meet the forecasted passenger footfall.
Singapore Airlines has announced ending the hiring freeze for cabin crew after nearly two years, an SIA spokesperson told Channel News Asia (CNA). The national carrier is currently accepting fresh applications through its website. The listing also encourages former SIA cabin crew to apply for the new positions.
Going forward
The Singapore government has set up a Vaccinated Travel Lane scheme to facilitate easy travel of fully-vaccinated individuals to and from other countries. Thanks to this program, SIA is slowly on the track to recovery as passenger numbers and flights increase steadily.
The company says it has been increasing capacity "in a calibrated manner" to meet demand. CNA reported said the airline would "continue to make necessary investments" to ensure a smooth and steady recovery in the future.
What about the laid-off employees?
In response to an earlier query regarding laid-off employees, SIA told CNA:
"Most of our pilots and cabin crew have returned to active duty with SIA.”
It seems SIA hasn’t forgotten about the employees affected by the job cut in 2020 and is still in touch with them regarding new openings. Even though most of the ex-employees would have found other jobs by now, it is heartening to see the airline keep its word and take care of those who contribute to meaningful growth.
Former employees interested in applying to the recruitment drive will:
“Similarly be shortlisted and selected based on merit and suitability for the role.”
Even though the worst is over, there is still some progress to go. The airline recently delayed the return of the Airbus A380 on its India route. This factor highlights that not all the carrier's markets are so smooth sailing amid the ongoing conditions of the global health crisis. Nonetheless, in the current climate, the employee return report is fantastic news for SIA.
Do you think Singapore Airlines deserves praise for staying in touch with laid-off employees and taking them back now that it can afford to? What do you make of the overall situation at the airline? Let us know what you think of the airline and its prospects in the comment section.