Mass Exodus Of “Air Algérie” Pilots Towards Other International Airline Companies

The Head of the Union of Algerian airline Pilots, Mr. Karim Seghouane, has admitted the existence of a mass exodus of numerous “Air Algérie” pilots who joined foreign companies, thus increasing the fierce competition faced by this public company from its competitors, stressing that this adverse situation compels the national airline company to adopt a reliable and rigorous management policy-line at all levels.

Mr Karim Seghouane, said on Tuesday on the sidelines of the proceedings of the General Assembly of the Union, that there are some lingering shortcomings in the company’s management, and expressed the readiness of the Algerian pilots’ union to closely cooperate with the new Directorate of “Air Algerie” and contribute to overcoming the difficulties posed by the current problems, notably by opening the doors for a frank dialogue with the Union’s representatives as part of efforts to ensure the Company’s all-round development.

The Algerian Airlines Pilots Union (SPLA) noted in this respect the importance of the social dialogue within “Air Algerie”, and is ready to help to overcome the difficulties it is going through.

“We are aware of the current woeful situation of the Company. The company now suffers from managerial shortcomings, therefore, we advocate the smooth implementation of the relevant texts and the launch of a frank and transparent dialogue with the involvement of the SPLA in the process of spurring the development of the national airline Company,” the President of the Union, Mr Karim Seghouane stated.

While pleading for a national charter of pilots to promote the profession and to preserve the achievements of the pilots, he pointed to the SPLA’s willingness to cooperate with the new management of “Air Algérie”, by dealing efficiently with the current difficult situation and making the company’s activities become more profitable at the earliest.

Among the problems faced by the public airline, according to Mr Seghouane, is the tough international competition and the departure of many Air Algérie pilots to other foreign companies, stressing the urgency of setting up a “rigorous management policy and strict managerial methods” within the company as a paramount remedial measure.

According to the data of the union, Air Algérie currently has 450 pilots, 200 others are still in training phases, of which 80 new pilots have gradually joined the company over the past 4 years.

Meanwhile, the President of the National Union of Air Maintenance Technicians (SNTMA), Mr. Boutoumi Ahmed, deplored the fact that the maintenance activity of Air Algeria “remains unexploited” although it can constitute to ensuring an important source of re-entry of foreign currency exchange for the benefit of the State.

“The maintenance department has obtained an accreditation issued by the European Civil Aviation Commission, which allows us to carry out maintenance work on aircraft for different airlines, but to date this label is not operated because of regulatory gaps and the unwillingness to deliver these services locally, ” he underlined.

For his part, Mr Charef Mohamed, representative of the acting CEO of “Air Algerie”, said that a string of measures will be taken in the near future and will have, he promised, a positive impact on the development process of the Company.