AirAsia to lay off 250 workers due to the MCO
AirAsia cabin crew, pilots, and engineers among workers to get laid off during MCO
Image adapted from: The Star
The implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) has brought about some of the toughest times for Malaysians. But we have also shown that we can power through it by staying creative and showing random acts of kindness, which helped keep our chins up during this COVID-19 pandemic.
But the toll on Malaysians’ livelihoods is still a cause for concern, even with most businesses allowed to reopen under CMCO. Some of our favourite bookstores have already taken a hit with nationwide closures. And now AirAsia is said to be laying off 250 workers, among which are cabin crews, pilots, and engineers.
Cabin crew, pilots, and engineers affected
According to a report by Malay Mail on 4th June 2020, 111 cabin crew members, 172 pilots, and 50 engineers are expected to face job losses from a downsizing operation scheme from AirAsia Group Bhd.
This comes as all international and domestic flights had been put on pause in Malaysia during the MCO. Only special recovery flights were allowed to be carried out on AirAsia to help bring home Malaysians abroad – which saw stylish PPE suits to protect cabin crews cropping up.
Domestic flights were allowed to resume on 30th April, as reported by New Straits Times, more than a month after the MCO was implemented on 18th March, due to the public’s demands.
Stylish PPE suits for cabin crew members
Image adapted from: @pueyquinones
But with aircrafts grounded for over a month, jobs are now on the line, with over 250 AirAsia personnels facing unemployment. And they won’t be the only ones affected, as other subsidiaries under AirAsia Berhad are also seeing job and operational cuts.
This includes AirAsia X – which operates flights to over 26 countries – which is also reported by Malay Mail to be reducing its local and foreign workforce. There will also be a decrease in operating flights from 32 aircrafts to 15 once international flights are allowed to resume.
Image credit: Future Travel Experience
It is said that this is the last resort in a difficult situation for AirAsia, as the company is unable to bear the losses faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those who are affected can expect to receive compensation.
M’sians share their family loss of jobs
AirAsia has yet to release an official announcement on the subject, but Malay Mail has since confirmed the lay offs of AirAsia personnels with inside sources at the airline. Several Malaysians have also been sharing stories of job losses in their families on Twitter.
This includes Twitter user @_amanizam, who shared that her father was just released from the company: “Please pray for my family, my dad just got an email from AirAsia. He is being released from the company.”
Image adapted from: @_amanizam
Another Twitter user, @syarewani, also tweeted: “Heard AirAsia laid off their staff, and one of them is my cousin who works as a flight attendant. Hope they will always be strong and persevere. Don’t give up!”
Image adapted from: @syarewani
Netizens give a shoutout to staff and crew
With recent news of an increase in 42% of job losses reported in Malaysia in comparison to last year’s figures already shaking up the country, many netizens came out to show their support for AirAsia staff and crew facing lay offs.
Netizens give their shoutouts to AirAsia staff and crew
Image adapted from: @ari757
This included netizen @vanillainheaven, who tweeted: “It’s really heartbreaking about today news. My best prayer goes to those who got affected. Please stay strong and be positive.”
Image adapted from: @vanillainheaven
Many more also shared that they were saddened by the news, with @hoelymelayu also tweeting, “I’m so sorry for those who are affected due to this pandemic, especially the AirAsia crew and staff. Pray to Allah that provisions will come.”
Image adapted from: @hoelymelayu
AirAsia to lay off 250 workers due to the MCO
It’s been difficult times for Malaysians, with the MCO putting a halt in businesses and the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the livelihoods of many, including these 250 staffers at AirAsia.
We hope that all affected will be able to get back on their feet quickly, and that we can all remain diligent in adhering to SOPs so we can finally see brighter days in Malaysia.
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