CAIR says pilot jobs safe

Cyprus Airways Deputy Chairman and former Health Minister Frixos Savvides has publicly pledged that no aircraft will be sold and that no pilot will face redundancy ahead of the preparations of the rescue plan that is scheduled to be submitted to the government in September.

Savvides held a news conference in response to protests made by stewards’ union SYPKA and pilots’ union PASIPY that collective agreements were being violated and promises not kept.

He attributed the outcry to approaching union elections and election jockeying as unions leaders try to appease members and win votes.

“There is no other explanation, since we have made it clear to the flying personnel that their jobs are safe,” said Savvides.

On further job cuts to save the ailing national carrier, he said: “Cuts will revolve around office staff and the catering department. There are so many other services where there is a way to reduce staff.”