We’ve paid 95% of staff declared redundant in 2017 – Aero Contractors

Nigeria’s oldest airline, Aero Contractors, yesterday, said it has paid 225 of 237 staff declared redundant in 2017.

The airline also stated that it continued to engage members of staff to address pending issues.

The airline spoke in response to the threat by the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) to take on the management over the non-payment of staff declared redundant in 2017.

But Aero Contractors’ management insisted that 95 per cent of affected personnel had been compensated, with plans underway to settle the remaining five per cent.

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Despite industry challenges, including operational shutdowns and escalating costs, it said the management remained steadfast in meeting obligations to stakeholders.

The company stated that it understood and sought understanding as it resolved issues, acknowledging strain on individuals and companies amid industry challenges.

In a statement, it said, “Despite operational hurdles, Aero Contractors diligently addressed payments and operational viability, ensuring commitment to stakeholders’ obligations and entitlements.”

Since resuming operations in December, 2022, Aero reintegrated employees to rebuild the organisation’s stature, pledging to uphold integrity and accountability.

NAAPE had alleged the management’s indifference towards the welfare of its members who were declared redundant in 2017, giving the airline till end of March “to set the machinery in motion to make full payment of all outstanding redundancy benefits to all beneficiaries.”

NAAPE’s Secretary General, Olayinka Abioye, said, “Seven years ago, Aero Contractors declared some staff, including pilots and engineers, redundant and now down the line others have been paid but NAAPEs who are owed less than N500m are yet to be paid.”