COVID-19: Singapore Airlines offers cabin crew early release, retirement to further cut costs

Singapore Airlines is offering its cabin crew members the option of early release or retirement, as it seeks to further cut costs and mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. The COVID-19 Voluntary Release Scheme is also open to cabin crew members who are on probation, and will come with payouts and benefits, an SIA spokesperson said on Wednesday. It is not applicable to trainee crew members. The scheme was introduced in light of the adverse impact of COVID-19 pandemic and a "slower projected trajectory recovery for international air travel", the spokesperson added. Cabin crew members from both Singapore Airlines and SilkAir have until Aug 31 to apply for the scheme. “Applications are subject to approval and cabin crew who apply for the VRS will be informed on the outcome of their application by mid-September,” the spokesperson said. Each application will be considered on its merits, with SIA taking into account operational requirements in its review of the applications, the spokesperson added. The terms and benefits under the scheme were determined by SIA and the Singapore Airlines Staff Union, according to a notice sent out by the airline to cabin crew members on Wednesday. “We continue to work closely with our unions on the way forward where staff measures are concerned,” the spokesperson said. “We will announce any additional measures, if necessary, at the appropriate time.”<br/>