KQ Pilots call off daylong strike

The Kenya Airline Pilots Association, KALPA, has called off its daylong strike that paralyzed operations of Kenya airways.

The pilots are now set to resume work on Friday, after the airline canceled all but two of its evening flights.

The deadlock was unlocked after the board announced management changes to appease the pilots.

Human resource director, who had tendered his resignation last month, has left the airline. The HR director had been asked to stay on at the airline to oversee the staff rationalization program expected to see 600 employees leave the airline.

Sources indicate that Flight Operations Director Paul Mwangi and Safety Director Alex Avedi have been sent on compulsory leave as part of the deal to get pilots get back to work.

It will come as a mini victory for the pilots who had wanted at least five directors including Chief Executive Mbuvi Ngunze to leave the airline.

“We want to assure you (passengers) from tomorrow henceforth until the end of our deliberations set for June 1 we shall crew every flight and pilots shall extend every good will to ensure they are not inconvenienced,” KALPA Secretary General Paul Gichangi said.