Airlines swoop on fallen Monarch for experienced pilots

The sudden collapse of Monarch Airlines Monday has sparked a rush among airlines to hire pilots from the stricken carrier, as rivals seek to add more experienced staff. "There is growth in many UK airlines, and we'll be working with them to see if we can ensure the skill and experience of Monarch isn't lost," Brian Strutton, general secretary at the British Airline Pilots Association, saying the union had been approached by Thomson, Wizz Air, BA CityFlyer, Virgin Atlantic, Aer Lingus and Flybe. Transport minister Chris Grayling said he had spoken to airlines who were looking to hire some of Monarch's team. Monarch's collapse happened at a time when the availability of experienced pilots has been in focus, especially at LCCs, after Ryanair cancelled hundreds of thousands of flights due to issues with the rostering of pilots. <br/>