EgyptAir pilots withdraw group resignation in response to Sisi's call

Friday 08-05-2015 03:29 PM
EgyptAir pilots withdraw group resignation in response to Sisi's call

An airport staff walks next to an EgyptAir plane on the runway at Cairo Airport, September 5, 2013. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany

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The Egyptian Pilots Association announced on Friday that a group of EgyptAir pilots who had previously announced their collective resignation would withdraw it “for the benefit of their company and in response to the calls of the Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi,” according to a statement.

On Wednesday, 224 pilots submitted resignations in objection to a newly issued financial charter, and to demand raises for salaries that have been fixed since 2006.

“In response to the calls of the Egyptian president, the association management along with all the pilots have withdrawn all the resignations,” the statement issued early Friday read.

The association represents EgyptAir pilots.

The statement also highlighted that the decision of the pilots did not affect EgyptAir flight schdules in any way.

In a speech Sisi gave at a seminar held by the armed forces, the Egyptian president called on all pilots to “take into account” the current situation of their country and of their company.

Pilots have been demanding a 25 percent pay raise for the nine years during which their salaries were fixed, and another 25 percent gradual raise over the next fiscal year.

However, Aviation Minister Hossam Kamal said the demand for raises is not feasible when the country is struggling to overcome four years of economic and political turbulence.

About 850 pilots work for the national carrier.

In December 2014, EgyptAir announced that it had accumulated LE10.11 billion in losses over the previous three years.

EgyptAir profits reached a peak of LE 695 million in the 2007/2008 fiscal year, but began suffering losses following the uprising in January 2011, data on its website reveals.

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