Swiss International Air Lines is reportedly considering using pilots from low-cost subsidiary Swiss European Air Lines to operate its new Boeing 777-300ER fleet as the carrier faces more competition from Gulf carriers. It is scheduled to take delivery of its new 777 fleet beginning in 2016.
Using pilots from European, rather than using its mainline pilots, would reduce labor costs. Swiss European pilots operate Avro regional jets.
Swiss mainline Airbus pilots in mid-April rejected a new, joint collective labor agreement with the pilots of the Avro fleet, represented by Aeropers and IPG Cockpit unions. The current collective labor contract of (Swiss European) IPG pilots is valid through the end of June; talks with Swiss management are ongoing.
Swiss European operates a fleet of 20 Avro RJ100s. According to IPG Cockpit, transferring to Boeing 777 long-haul operations would create new opportunities for the short-haul pilots.
According to several media reports, Swiss estimates the move will save between CHF20 million ($22.7 million) and CHF30 million annually.
A Swiss spokesperson in Zurich told ATW, “We are in ongoing talks with the union of Swiss European pilots since their contract will end soon. While these negotiations are ongoing, we do not want to comment.”
Using pilots from European, rather than using its mainline pilots, would reduce labor costs. Swiss European pilots operate Avro regional jets.
Swiss mainline Airbus pilots in mid-April rejected a new, joint collective labor agreement with the pilots of the Avro fleet, represented by Aeropers and IPG Cockpit unions. The current collective labor contract of (Swiss European) IPG pilots is valid through the end of June; talks with Swiss management are ongoing.
Swiss European operates a fleet of 20 Avro RJ100s. According to IPG Cockpit, transferring to Boeing 777 long-haul operations would create new opportunities for the short-haul pilots.
According to several media reports, Swiss estimates the move will save between CHF20 million ($22.7 million) and CHF30 million annually.
A Swiss spokesperson in Zurich told ATW, “We are in ongoing talks with the union of Swiss European pilots since their contract will end soon. While these negotiations are ongoing, we do not want to comment.”