KALPA issues strike notice in bid to oust KQ CEO

Pilots allied to the Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA) have threatened to down their tools unless Kenya Airways Chief Executive Officer Mbuvi Ngunze resigns.

This is the latest push by the pilots union to get management changes at the airline in what it describes as lack of competence in reviving the national carrier.

KALPA is open to negotiations with the airline top brass and government officials, but insist its members will down their tools should Mr Ngunze and Chairman Amb. Denis Awori be in office on October 18.

KALPA Secretary General Captain Paul Gichinga said the turnaround plan dubbed Operation Pride fails to account for the factors that are losing the airline money.

“We are not convinced that genuine efforts are being made to turnaround the airline. With every passing day, it becomes very clear that Kenya Airways leadership lacks a clear vision, the right synergies and the willpower to lead the airline’s recovery efforts,” Captain Gichinga said.

The push to have management changes comes after the airline announced its biggest loss yet of Sh26.2 billion despite efforts to cut costs.

KALPA has also raised concern of the serious drain of pilots to Middle East carriers that are affecting KQ operations.

Kenya Airways has in the past one year lost 60 pilots to rival airlines as well as a sizable amount of engineers.

This is the second strike notice by KALPA in 2016, after making good their plans to strike in April.

The one day strike led to serious operational challenges for KQ with hundreds of canceled flights.

The strike also resulted in the resignation of three senior managers who have since been replaced.

The Kenya Airways board, led by Amb Awori, and Transport Secretary James Macharia have been adamant that Mr Ngunze will remain in office despite mounting pressure.

More to follow…