Unemployment hits Nigerian aviation market: 170 pilots and engineers sacked.

One important area affected by lockdowns in various countries is the aviation market, with no one traveling by air over 4 months, some airlines operating in Nigeria have resorted to sacking of pilots.

Recently one of Nigeria’s most prominent airlines Air Peace laid off around 70 pilots and cut pay across its workforce.

The helicopter companies which drive greater part of their revenue from services rendered to the Nigeria oil and gas sector have been immensely hit by the pandemic.

Bristow Helicopter, airline in Nigeria has laid down more100 pilots and engineers this week in another wave of sacking in the troubled aviation sector.

The company argues that COVID-19 has had a negative influence the oil and gas sector which has consequently affected the demand for its services. 

In view of this, it has been forced to restructure.The company said it was a difficult decision it had to make at this time as it embarked on an extensive review of its operations.

The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has vowed to fight the decision. It had embarked on strikes  requesting for a proper remuneration for the sacked Bristow employees. Today marks the third day of the strike.