[ad_1]
British Airways is expected to add around 4,000 employees to its workforce by next summer, overturning an earlier decision to reduce the number of employees as COVID-19 destroyed its finances.
The airline will take on pilot, cabin crew, ground staff and back-office roles as part of the recruitment drive as it prepares for a wider recovery in travel and aviation .
The company currently employs 30,000 people, which means the move represents a 15% increase.
Managing Director Sean Doyle told Bloomberg: “We are actively recruiting. It’s exciting to rebuild the airline and create opportunities again after two years where we haven’t been able to fly a lot. “
Read more: British Airways owner warns of loss of 3 billion euros despite reopening of travel to the United States
Watch: BA owner plans transatlantic recovery after losing summer season
During the pandemic, British Airways cut up to 10,000 jobs and put nearly 25,000 employees on leave.
However, this week alone, transatlantic flights resumed after the United States allowed fully vaccinated passengers from the UK, EU, India, Mexico and Canada.
IAG (IAG.L), the owner of the airline, which also owns Iberia, Aer Lingus and Vueling, said last week that it expects the number of capacities to rise to 60% in the last quarter of the year.
He is hoping for a stronger last three months and a return to profitability in 2022 if he reaches pre-COVID levels during the peak summer season.
Read more: Heathrow Airport warns UK air travel resumes lags EU rivals as bookings surge
“A significant recovery is underway and our teams across the group are working hard to seize every opportunity. We continue to capitalize on increases in bookings when travel restrictions are lifted, â€said Luis Gallego, Managing Director of IAG, as part of the company’s business update.
“The full reopening of the transatlantic travel corridor starting on Monday is a pivotal moment for our industry. British Airways flies to more destinations in the United States than any other transatlantic carrier and we are delighted to be able to fly our customers once again.
BA will also re-launch short-haul flights from Gatwick after reaching an agreement with the unions.
It comes as the UK government has given the industry a boost, reducing the number of countries on its Red List, which has the strictest restrictions, from 54 to just seven. The Red List now only includes Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, Panama, Peru and Venezuela.
COVID-19 testing rules have also been simplified with PCR testing for international travelers removed last month.
Watch: Should I book a vacation in 2021?
[ad_2]
