Union claims Skybus pilots face redundancy
The Isles of Scilly Steamship company says there are 'cost pressures' on the service
A union claims pilots on the Skybus service to the Isles of Scilly have been told they could be made redundant.
The Independent Pilots Association says the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, which runs it, is planning to bring in a reduced service for next year.
In a statement, the IPA tells us:
"The Independent Pilots Association are gravely concerned, viewing this move as a strategic manoeuvre with the potential to significantly raise airfares. By limiting seat availability, there is a likelihood that the equilibrium ticket prices will surge, ultimately having adverse effects on the Isles of Scilly community.
"The IPA believe that the processes taken to place pilots at risk of redundancy, fall foul of the ACAS code of practice and we will be taking steps to address this.
"We are deeply disappointed, that once again, the company has taken an unnecessarily inflammatory approach to dealing with its pilots."
"This is not a strategic manoeuvre to raise air fares"
In response, a spokesperson for the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group said,
"Following the statement released this afternoon by the IPA we wanted to clarify the current situation. There will be no impact on the community, and we are committed to continue to operate daily Skybus flights at Travel Club rates both now and in the future.
"The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group has maintained the lifeline Skybus link to the islands for over 30 years, and it remains an integral part of our Group and the Isles of Scilly transport network.
"There are a number of current and future cost pressures which impact Skybus and are constantly being reviewed to ensure a sustainable airline without the need to significantly increase air fares.
"We are holding a series of meetings with pilots, following an approved consultation process, to discuss options around reducing costs and delivering a profitable and sustainable airline.
"To clarify, this is categorically not a strategic manoeuvre to raise airfares or reduce the capacity for passengers wishing to travel to and from Scilly. The 2024 schedule has flights from Exeter, Newquay and Land’s End airports and we will be delivering the capacity needed for our visitor market and Isles of Scilly community."