UK pilots rate government’s Covid aviation strategy ‘inadequate’
Balpa survey measures impact of furlough on members
BigThink
Nearly 60% of UK pilots polled in a survey believe the government’s efforts to safeguard the interests of commercial aviation during the Covid-19 pandemic were “inadequate”.
The Leicester University study, based on a poll and interviews with members of British Airline Pilots’ Association (Balpa), looked at how being furloughed affected flight crews.
Pilots were asked how furlough impacted their retention of routines and faith in officialdom and their employers.
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Data shows that 57% of respondents rated the government’s performance “inadequate” and 14 pilots out of 223 scored their first duty – either flight-deck or simulator – after returning to work in the range of one to four out of 10.
The study found “many [pilots] felt their performance on returning to work post-furlough was not satisfactory” and “morale across the industry had been impacted by inadequate government and employer actions”.
One pilot cited in the research was furloughed on May 1, 2020, and returned to work on October 30, 2021.
Balpa head of flight safety, Joji Waites, said: “This research is really useful in helping us understand the effect furlough has had on pilots.
“It is clear that periods of inactivity and being away from the flight deck have a detrimental effect on pilot performance.
He added: “We need stakeholders across the industry to really understand this and ensure that flight safety is always a number one priority.
“It is also clear the handling of Covid-19 by the government and employers has impacted morale amongst the flying workforce.
“This needs to be addressed and Balpa will continue to work with the government and airlines as the voice of pilots.”
