By Abisola THOMPSON

The management of Arik Air has relieved 300 members of staff of their appointments.

This was announced in a statement signed by its Public Relations and Communications Manager, Ola Olabanji, on Friday in Lagos.

The company blamed the sacking on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic.

TBI Africa reports that the statement was titled, “Arik Air management declares 300 staff redundant”.

The company explained that a redundancy package would be provided for the affected workers with the help of the aviation unions.

“Arising from the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the constrained ability of the airline to complete heavy maintenance activities and return its planes to operations, stunted revenues against increasing operational costs, the management of Arik Air (In Receivership) has declared 300 staff members redundant to its current level of operations.

“The leadership of the impacted unions has been contacted to negotiate a redundancy package for the affected staff,” the company said.

The airline added that over 50 per cent of its workforce of over 1,600 staff have been on furlough in the past six months.

The company, however, said that the decision to lay off staff was a difficult decision.

Arik Air wished the affected staff well in their future endeavour.