Cotu backs KQ pilots quit call to management

Pilots at national carrier, Kenya Airways, got a boost yesterday after the workers' umbrella union backed their demands that top management quits.

In a statement, Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) boss Francis Atwoli said the problems afflicting the national airline were largely to be blamed on the management.

Mr Atwoli claimed the ‘chaotic scenes’ at Kenya Airways require ‘decisive’ but ‘painful’ decisions to be taken by the directors, including shedding the current management, in order to get KQ back on its feet.

“Just a few years ago, both the South African and Ethiopian Airlines were at par and even operated below our national carrier Kenya Airways, and whereas these airlines continue to grow, Kenya Airways’ fortunes have continued to dwindle and diminish globally,” said the Cotu Secretary-General.

He claimed even new planes were lying idle at Kenya Airways’ hangers even though there is huge demand for the carrier’s services across Africa.

“New airlines are now dominating and have penetrated our previous and traditional routes, we have virtually become moribund presiding over a chaotic head office in the name of a national carrier. Unless the current top management and board of directors pave way for overhaul, the national carrier will be no more sooner than later,” he said.

“The top management remains naive, lack the necessary skills to revamp the airline despite the Kenya Government’s efforts. Their management skills are poor, [and].... seem largely aloof as the airline continues to go under,” he added.