“Agreement terminated”, “your services no longer required”, “your last salary may not be paid”. This is what thousands of ‘self-employed’ and contractor pilots and cabin crew have been told by airlines or staffing agencies, over the past few weeks. The COVID-19 crisis might have grounded

Amidst the coronavirus outbreak, social distancing rules pose a significant challenge for pilots whose license or medical certificate is expiring soon. This is why many countries are introducing flexible arrangements for extensions. However, these exemptions from the rules are not in line

Airlines, aviation organisations and their employees were not prepared for a pandemic, like COVID-19. Most European and international airlines have stopped flying or are focussing on cargo flights, medical and rescue operations or return flights. Most countries have issued strict

After 8 years working with one of Europe's largest airlines on a ‘self-employment’ contract, I managed to secure new direct employment with a well-respected Long Haul Legacy airline, a career move I had been celebrating earlier this year.

The importance of European aviation to society is multifold: it provides significant economic¹ contributions, as well as builds connectivity – within the EU and towards the rest of the world.

Because of the effects of COVID-19, the sector is currently facing an unprecedented crisis both at

If ever there was a doubt about the importance of helicopter operations, COVID-19 completely erased it. While almost everybody is advised (or ordered) by the authorities to stay at home and keep a proper distance to avoid spreading the virus, we – helicopter pilots – still crawl into our

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many among us are still operating flights, be it as a skeleton service, rescue or cargo missions. Since so many authorities have published guidance to limit spreading of the virus – covering different areas in more detail – and some incorrect

While the fixed wing industry across the world is in freefall, Helicopter Search and Rescue services are still needed – pandemic or not. This is why, together with the rest of the crew of the Irish Coast Guard, we keep working on an ‘operations and essential training only’ basis to limit

As flight crew on cargo aeroplanes, we are often seen as second-class pilots by many in the industry – not “good enough” for passengers and without all the glamour that accompanies airline pilots in Hollywood movies.

We have no doubt about the resilience of our airline group thanks to its “very strong balance sheet and substantial cash liquidity” amounting to over €4 billion. At the same time, we believe the extraordinary circumstances we are experiencing call for a united and socially responsible

The ongoing, fast-evolving COVID-19 crisis with the extremely severe knock-on effects on the economy represents an unprecedented challenge for our European societies. It is our collective responsibility, with the European institutions and national authorities at the forefront, to step up

Unfortunately, this is not going to be a neat editorial with a thoughtful message, or a well-structured narrative and a satisfying ending.

As I write this, the World Health Organisation has just declared the Coronavirus outbreak and spread of Covid-19 a pandemic, and all of our plans,