Impact of COVID-19... Korean Air Accepts Unpaid Leave Requests from Foreign Pilots

Woo Ki-hong, President: "Over 100 Aircraft Grounded... Prolonged Situation May Threaten Survival"

On the 9th, aircraft are parked at the apron of Incheon International Airport. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Je-hoon] Korean Air has decided to accept unpaid leave applications from foreign pilots. This is interpreted as a result of workforce congestion caused by an 80% reduction in overall flights due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the aviation industry on the 10th, Korean Air has recently been accepting unpaid leave applications from foreign pilots that can be used starting next month.

According to Korean Air, foreign pilots account for about 390 people, approximately 13% of the total (about 2,900). As COVID-19 has recently spread domestically, some foreign pilots are also reported to have expressed their intention to take leave to the company first.

A Korean Air official explained, "Due to the COVID-19 situation, unpaid leave has been allowed only for those foreign pilots who express health concerns about staying in Korea and wish to stay in their home countries and take leave."

In addition, Korean Air recently accepted short-term leave of absence applications from cabin crew members who have worked for more than two years. Accordingly, those who wish can take leave for 1 to 3 months between this month and June.

Even Korean Air, the industry leader, is accepting voluntary leave and unpaid leave applications because many routes have been suspended or reduced as countries have strengthened entry restrictions on passengers arriving from Korea due to COVID-19. Previously, low-cost carriers (LCCs) and latecomers such as Asiana Airlines also implemented unpaid leave and unpaid vacations early on.

Korean Air President Woo Ki-hong also expressed difficulties through the company bulletin board yesterday. President Woo said, "As of now, about 100 out of 145 passenger aircraft are grounded and unable to operate," adding, "If the situation prolongs, the company could be driven to a point where its survival is difficult to guarantee."

He also hinted at the possibility of future self-help measures. He stated, "If it becomes inevitable to seek cooperation from employees for the survival of the company, the basic principle of minimizing individual sacrifices will be strictly observed," and added, "All executives will lead by example."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.