Emirates is facing a measurable slow down in business due to the coronavirus COVID-19. And now, the company has also offered its employees to take paid or unpaid leaves. An internal email was sent out to all Emirates staff including 21,000 cabin crew and 4,000 pilots. Furthermore, the Emirates groups also mentioned that it was currently offering unpaid leave to employees in non-operational roles, and may extend the option to operational staff as well.
What’s It?
If there is one thing that has been affected most due to the Coronavirus threat, it definitely is the travel industry. Several airlines have slowed down their operations to various destinations across the globe and as a result, there has been a steady decline in business. UAE’s most popular airline, Emirates has now offered employees to go on voluntary paid or unpaid leaves, due to the sudden decline in its operations.
An internal email sent to over 21,000 cabin crew and 4,000 pilots. “A particular challenge for us right now is dealing with the impact of Covid-19. We’ve seen a measurable slow-down in business across our brands and a need for flexibility in the way we work,” the March 1 email said. Currently, Emirates has offered voluntary unpaid leave to employees in non-operational roles, but the option will soon be made available to those in operational roles as well.
The move comes after Emirates stopped serviced to China, except Beijing, and Iran due to the threat of coronavirus in these countries.
What Else?
Emirates is not the only airline to send its employees on voluntary leave. Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific has also sent 25,000 staff on unpaid leave, through a special leave scheme. Meanwhile, Hong Kong Airlines cut down 400 jobs and also asked staff to go on a two week unpaid leave every month or to switch to a three-day week.