Things may not be rosy for Kenya Airways as the Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA) issued a hard hitting statement against the management of the airline.
A week after posting a $258 million after tax loss, the embattled carrier now faces management challenges with the pilots association.
According to Mr. Gichinga (Secretary General of the association) senior executives at Kenya Airways are deemed as lacking the necessary expertise to stop its downward financial stall from bankruptcy.
“KALPA reaffirms its lack of confidence in the board of directors and top-level management overseeing the recovery of Kenya Airways,” the union said.
In a bid to cut its losses, Kenya Airways initiated a painful rationalisation programme by selling its prime long range Boeing 777-200 ER fleet and retrenched 600 staff in order to recover from massive debt, accrued from buying new aircraft and unfavourable fuel hedging contracts.
This statement comes exactly three months after pilots affiliated to the association went on a go-slow after it emerged that the airline was negotiating with rival Ethiopian Airlines to absorb its now redundant crew that operated the Boeing 777 fleet.
“The historic loses are a testament to what we have been saying all along that Kenya Airways is in desperate need of new leadership and direction.”
The Secretary General also pointed out that the senate committee report that recommended change of management has not been effected at all.
“The lack of decisive direction and leadership are greatly lacking and the incompetence is hurting the airline,” he said.
Kenya Airways faces stiff competition from state owned Ethiopian Airlines, who are rapidly expanding their global foot print as seen recently with acquisition of the Airbus 350 long range aircraft to boost its long haul fleet.