Azman Air Services Limited has taken the unprecedented step of instructing its entire workforce to take compulsory leave without pay, citing ongoing C-checks on its aircraft and the financial strains of operations. The airline's spokesperson, Nurudden Aliyu, communicated that this decision was prompted by a combination of factors including the mandatory C-checks and the challenging cost landscape of operations.
Aliyu emphasized that the temporary suspension of operations was influenced by the necessity for C-checks on all the domestic operation aircraft, which are vital for ensuring the airworthiness and safety of the fleet. C-checks encompass a comprehensive assessment involving overhaul, repair, parts replacement, and preventive maintenance, as specified by the manufacturer's maintenance guidelines.
The process of sending two aircraft to a maintenance facility in Turkey was initiated by the airline; however, delays in the maintenance hangar queue extended the timeline for completion. Adding to this, the remaining two aircraft were also slated for maintenance, thus compounding the operational challenges. Despite one aircraft reaching 90% completion, it's expected that two of the aircraft will only be operational again by October.
Aliyu underlined the heavy financial burden associated with these maintenance procedures. As a result, the management arrived at the difficult decision to halt the company's operations temporarily.
In correspondence titled 'Placement of Leave Without Pay,' the airline's Human Resources Manager, Magaji Misau, relayed the decision to the staff members. The memo outlined the situation, detailing the suspension of domestic operations due to the ongoing aircraft checks and the extended duration stipulated by the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities.
The memo further communicated that, in light of these challenges, the management had concluded that all staff would be placed on leave without pay, effective from August 1, 2023.
The industry-wide implications of Azman Air's move underscore the intricate web of challenges faced by airlines, ranging from stringent maintenance demands to the ever-fluctuating financial pressures. As the airline navigates this complex terrain, it prompts reflection on the broader ecosystem of aviation operations and the constant balancing act between safety, financial sustainability, and employee welfare.
