Low-cost airline, GoAir, is sending its employees on temporary rotational leave without pay, even as coronavirus cripples the travel and tourism business in India and the world.
The Airline is also suspending its international operations between March 17 and April 15. Almost 35 per cent of its staff have been asked to go on leave with possible salary cuts. The percentage may vary for support staff and expats.
In an official statement, GoAir said it has “initiated a short-term and temporary rotational leave without pay programme that will not only help the Company counter the short term reduction in capacity, but will also ensure that a cross-section of our employees stays away from the workplace to ensure business continuity.”
Earlier this month, the Emirates Group had offered voluntary leave to its employees owing to the huge dent in the travel business due to the coronavirus outbreak. Others to join this move, such as Singapore Airlines and United Airlines have implemented pay cuts, especially at the higher levels.
The outbreak has wiped out businesses across the world and forced several airlines to ground operations. There are speculations of most airlines being bankrupt by the end of May.
In such a crisis, GoAir has petitioned the Government for immediate support, as most other governments around the world have already provided assistance to their similarly affected airlines. Carriers in the US have asked the government for a $50 billion bailout.
GoAir operates flights to Dammam, Kuwait, Muscat, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Bangkok, Phuket and Male.
