NEWS from BALPA

British Airline Pilots’ Association
19th September 2008

BALPA ASKS GOVERNMENT TO INVESTIGATE XL COLLAPSE

The British Airline Pilots' Association (BALPA) has written to Ruth Kelly. Transport Secretary, to ask her to set up an enquiry into the collapse of airline and holiday group XL.

Says Jim McAuslan, BALPA General Secretary: 'Our members have many concerns about the collapse and want the Government to put it under the microscope.

'The sale of the French and German subsidiaries on the day of the collapse has surprised our members and they want an explanation. It would be too easy for the big financial upheavals of the past week to let the XL situation slip by unremarked. BALPA will not allow that to happen.

'It is being suggested to pilots who are owed money that the cupboard is bare. Well, someone's cupboard is not bare.'

BALPA also asks Ruth Kelly to initiate action so that there is no repeat of aircraft being flown home empty while thousands of passengers are left stranded abroad. The letter declares: 'We take our hats off to the brilliant way in which the repatriation has been handled and many of our members outside XL have gone the extra mile to get customers home. What our XL members do not understand is why they have not been able to play a part in this. Indeed, our members have been flying back empty aircraft. We would like you to sponsor a high level review of this as well as the wider issue of how the industry compensation scheme works.'

The letter also asks the Government to help the pilots and other employees suddenly laid off by XL's collapse. It suggests a clearing house for redundant XL employees to find vacancies with other employers who ironically - following XL's demise - will be in a stronger position as capacity is reduced. 'There are also steps that previous competitors could take in conjunction with the CAA and perhaps the training schools to help keep pilot licences current.'

BALPA also appeals to the Government to stop further taxes on the aviation industry. The letter declares: 'The series of collapses highlights the fragility of an industry which employs so many people and contributes so much to the UK economy. The last thing we need is more taxes and we ask you to press the Treasury to call a halt to the plans for aviation duty. The industry needs breathing space.'

CLICK HERE FOR A COPY OF THE LETTER TO RUTH KELY, SECRETARY OF STATE FOR TRANSPORT

For further information contact Keith Bill on 07968 528 527 or 020 8656 0860