Gulf-based air carriers Emirates and Etihad have recently said that they are extending the period of reduced pay for employees till September as both the companies attempt to save cash amid the coronavirus crisis.
Both the companies have during the lockdown operated a limited number of flights, mostly outbound services from the UAE. The airlines are scheduled to restart connecting flights later this month after the UAE government lifted a suspension on services where passengers stop off in the country to change planes, or for refuelling.
According to an internal email, Emirates told its employees that it would extend a three month wage cut due to end this month until September 30. In some cases, pay cuts will also be deepened, with some basic salaries reduced by 50%, the email to Emirates Group employees said. The decision was made after reviewing all possible options to preserve its cash position, it said.
The aviation industry has been among the worst hit by the outbreak, which has dented travel demand and forced major airlines to lay off staff and seek government bailouts. Earlier last week, Etihad laid off some cabin crew and is not planning any further crew redundancies, according to the internal email.
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