Aero Contractors Airline has sacked 900 workers from its workforce.

Media Consultant to the airline, Simon Tumba confirmed the development in a statement issued on Thursday in Lagos.

He said letters of redundancy were issued to the affected employees during the week.

He added that the workers would be paid their pension and gratuity.

“The issuance of notification of redundancy is a business decision that will ensure Aero’s survival.

“The current situation where over a thousand people are basically not engaged due to lack of serviceable aircraft is not sustainable for the airline.

“The huge monthly salary associated with a bloated workforce will eventually kill the airline, which is not the intention of the current government,” he said.

According to him, Aero Contractors currently has an aircraft-to-employee ratio of 1:500, which analysts believe is perhaps the worse in the history of global airline industry.

He said, “This decision will immediately reduce the whooping operational cost, which has been stifling Aero; enable the management to bring in more aircraft through savings from overheads and pay for C-checks.

“It will also enable Aero have a more manageable and committed workforce in line with international best practices of 50 to 60 personnel to one aircraft unlike what obtains in Aero at the moment.”

He said some of the workers stand a chance of being recalled.

A part of the redundancy letter read, “Following the operational challenges of Aero culminating in loss of business opportunities that adversely affected company finances vis-à-vis operations, we are constrained to place you under redundancy pending a possible future review.

“This decision was communicated to the unions where their understanding was solicited in view of prevailing operational difficulties.

“Whilst Aero appreciates your contribution to the company and continues to regard you as worthy ambassadors, we solicit your understanding as we struggle to stabilise operations and rebuild the company.”