New cost-cutting measures at Italian flag carrier, Alitalia, have been widely reported in the last few days – but it wasn’t all bad news. Alitalia is hiring new Cabin Crew and applications are being accepted now. The news came as the airline released its latest business plan with plans to save an additional €1 billion by 2019.
Alitalia has faced crippling losses despite significant investment from Etihad Airways. The Abu Dhabi-based airline bought a 49% stake in Alitalia three years ago and was hopeful that the carrier could turn a profit in 2017. Those hopes have since faded with Alitalia reportedly losing half a million Euros a day. Etihad pumped an additional $231 million USD in financing for the carrier in December.
Alitalia’s CEO, Cramer Ball, has said that the majority of savings will come from ‘non-labour related costs.’ But a third of the cutbacks will see Alitalia employees hit.
“Extremely tough European Aviation market”
“Headcount reductions are a painful but necessary action that, alongside other cost reductions, will stabilise our financial situation and create long-term sustainability,” said Ball.
He explained further: “These changes are essential if we are to compete effectively in the extremely tough European aviation market. Together with trade unions, and with the support of the Italian government, we will work respectfully and fairly at ways in which to minimise the impact of the business plan on our people.”
2,000 redundancies will be made across the company. Of those, 50% will come from office staff and a further 20% from ‘non-flying operational’ roles. The airline did not specify where the remaining 30% of redundancies would be made.
The carrier has been working closely with trade unions in an effort to prevent further strikes. In February, Cabin Crew on long-haul flights reportedly walked out over reports that they had been asked to “tidy the bathrooms, and replenish soap and toilet paper.”
Changes to Compete with Low-Cost Carriers
In a bid to compete with Europe’s low-cost carriers, Alitalia is also set to cut back on the services it has traditionally provided customers as part of the ticket price.
“On flights that are four hours or less we will introduce the buy-on-board concept that is not only commonplace with low-cost carriers but is happening more and more at traditional, network airlines,” said a spokesperson for the airline.
The changes will also see passengers paying for advanced seat selection, checked-in luggage and priority boarding.
Alitalia Hiring New Cabin Crew
Despite its current woes, Alitalia is looking to the future. Two new aircraft will join the airline’s fleet in 2017 and 2018. A further six long-haul aircraft will be delivered to the airline between 2019-2021. In addition, ten new long-haul routes are due to be introduced between 2019 and 2021.
The airline also intends to hire 500 new Cabin Crew by 2019. Applications are now being accepted on the Alitalia careers site. Recruiters are looking for Flight Attendants with “passion, hospitality, style and commitment.” You will be “ambassadors of our Alitalia brand” and represent “the best of Italy across the globe.”
To apply to become Alitalia Cabin Crew, click here: Apply to become Alitalia Cabin Crew
