By Stephanie Jacob
Question marks have arisen over why AirAsia Bhd was forced to delay or cancel multiple flights out of klia2 over Monday, November 30 and Tuesday, December 1 which left hundreds of passengers stranded at the low-cost terminal.
AirAsia founder and group chief executive officer Tony Fernandes said to the New Straits Times (NST) that the delays and cancellations were due to a dozen pilots falling sick with the flu. He said: “There was a flu epidemic in AirAsia and 12 pilots called in sick. So, no choice”. An AirAsia spokesperson later told the NST, that 13 pilots had called in sick,
While in a press statement today, the airline said “AirAsia confirms that several flights have been disrupted due to operational requirements. AirAsia is working towards a resolution to ensure all guests enjoy a smooth journey.
“All affected guests are being informed accordingly and necessary assistance is being provided. AirAsia sincerely apologises for the inconvenience caused.”
A source within AirAsia however suggested that 13 pilots falling ill at the same time was not sheer bad luck and said that it was in fact a mass show of displeasure from the pilots to management. Many of the airline’s pilots are said to be unhappy about working conditions, in particular over hectic flight schedules and salary levels.
“People are just fed up of working here. So a lot just called in sick to prove a point. 13 guys fall sick and the company is at its knees,” said the source.
When asked why the airline did not call in standby pilots, the source said “a lot of guys have left the company, so they are short of pilots. A lot of pilots are unhappy with working life in AirAsia and the way they treat the pilots and crew. (They are) overworked. (There is) no flexibility.
“The guys are super tired but they have to work or their salaries will not be as high. The management increased the salary slightly but still nowhere close (to other airlines). Fatigue wise, they have not done a thing, people are still flying like crazy.”
As at publication time, KINIBIZ had not yet received a response from AirAsia with regards to the statements made.
AirAsia does not have unions so there is no way for its pilots or flight crew to go on an official strike which is why the pilots might have chosen to call in sick at the same time, opined the source.
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