Aviation company lays off 80 per cent of workforce

Bournemouth-based
European Aviation has laid off 80 per cent of its workforce as part of a
restructuring excercise.

In
total, 560 jobs have gone, with most of the cuts affecting cabin crew based at
Gatwick and Manchester. Some pilots are also losing their jobs.

The
company’s owner, Paul Stoddart – backer of the Minardi Formular One team – said
the company will continue to employ around 160 staff.

"We’ve
cut back capacity to match demand. Yes, we have to go through a painful
restructuring process, and yes I am incredibly sad about the jobs."

By Mike Berry