Pilots seek payout over ‘shabby’ Monarch action

A UNION representing hundreds of pilots who lost their jobs after the collapse of Monarch Airlines, today said they’re seeking compensation over the “shabby” handling of the redundancy news.

The British Airline Pilots’ Association has around 400 members who found out they lost their jobs in the early hours of Monday morning, with many waking up to the announcement.

KPMG was appointed administrators for Monarch Airlines and Monarch Travel Group on October 2. On the same day the accountancy giant confirmed 1858 employees were made redundant.

Balpa general secretary, Brian Strutton, told the Standard: “We will be seeking compensation for the shabby way our members were notified of their company’s demise and their own sacking.”

The administrator was not available for comment.

However, it is understood Monarch’s former owner Greybull Capital stands to benefit from the auction of assets such as valuable landing slots, because it is first in the queue of secured creditors to the company.

It also emerged today that a number of businesses are looking to take on some of the affected workforce.

Balpa said staff were poised to join 18 airlines, and Luton airport’s chief Nick Barton said: “Monarch staff are in a strong position when seeking new roles.” Southend airport’s Glyn Jones said “there will be opportunities on the horizon” for those affected.

The Civil Aviation Authority plans to operate 54 flights today, bringing 11,091 Monarch passengers home. @es_jobourke