Embattled by the industrial action embarked upon by aircraft pilots and engineers in its employment and the downtown of its operations, the management of Bristow Helicopters Nigeria Limited (BHNL) has sack some of its pilots.
This was announced by the management in a media statement made available to journalists today.
BHNL which claimed the spread of COVID-19 virus has impacted on its operations and those of its clients said: “The combined effects of these ‘arisings’ has resulted in very significant reductions to our business particularly a reduction in the number of contracted aircraft in Nigeria. “As a result, the company must now restructure all aspects of its business model (both Rotary & Fixed Wing), including an extensive review of its operations and we continue to drive efficiencies, but with zero compromise to safety and our core values.”
The airline added, “One of these measures includes the right sizing of the business to ensure that the company has the optimal level of personnel to continue the safe delivery of its services to its clients, whilst allowing the appropriate capacity for future growth.”
While regretting its decision to lay off the pilots and engineers, national and expatraits, the management of the airline however, said it was a decisive step taken to ensure the continuity of its business and delivery of essential services to its clients.
“This decision has not been made lightly, but having considered the state of the business and the very serious constraints caused by the spread of the Covid-19 disease and the downturn in the oil and gas market, the company must now take this painful, but decisive step to ensure the continuity of its business and delivery of essential services to its clients,” the statement said.
