AVIATION
group John Menzies is making 17,500 staff redundant across the globe in response to the coronavirus
pandemic. The job cuts represent half of its workforce at 200 airports in 34 countries.
The UK-headquartered company,
which offers ground handling, cargo handling and aircraft refuelling, has seen
over the last two weeks number of flights it has handled drop by 60 per cent.
It added that the dynamics in the
cargo sector are more mixed, with increases in activity in certain areas as
freight customers seek to respond to underlying demand patterns, but overall
cargo volumes are down by 20 per cent, reported London's Air Cargo News.
"Reductions are being
supported in some countries by governmental schemes and we hope that in the
fullness of time a high number of these employees can return to the
business," the company said.
In addition, all directors and
senior management have now taken 20 per cent fee and salary reductions.
The company is also hoping to
gain support from the UK government. Last week, the handler, along with three
of its rivals, wrote to UK government warning that airport operations could
grind to halt unless they were given support.
Chief
executive Giles Wilson said:
"John Menzies plc has existed since 1833 and been listed since 1962 but
never have we faced such difficult and unpredictable times.
"Our industry has been one
of the most affected by COVID-19 and we are doing everything we can to reduce
costs whilst looking after the needs of our employees.
"I now look to our
government to support our business and for them to provide the support required
to help the UK aviation sector to navigate this crisis. For the aviation supply
chain to function it requires a strong inter-reliant chain of airlines,
airports and service providers.
"Without these three
components of the supply chain, working together, the sector will not function.
Handlers such as Menzies are therefore essential to the recovery and future
success of the UK and global aviation industry."
Source : HKSG.
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