Embattled Indian carrier Kingfisher Airlines has been boosted by the decision of workers to end a strike and return to work.
Kingfisher suspended flights on October 1 due to industrial action and earlier this week had its operating licence suspended by India’s aviation authorities.
The airline said in a statement: “Kingfisher Airlines is pleased to announce that all of its employees have agreed to resume work and report for duty immediately.
“All employees are now eagerly looking forward to working together in order to restarting operations very soon.
“We will now finalise and present our resumption plan to the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) and hope to get their concurrence soon.”
Kingfisher staff went on strike over unpaid salaries dating back to March but the airline has now offered to pay three months’ wages by November 13 and the rest of the money it owes employees over the next few months.
Vijay Mallya, who is chairman of the airline, said in a Twitter message: "All Kingfisher team members back at work and fully supportive.I sincerely thank all of them for their faith and continuing commitment."
The airline said last week that it hoped to resume flights on November 6, subject to approval from the DGCA.
The debt-laden carrier is hoping that a relaxation of India’s rules on foreign companies taking a stake in its airlines will lead to investment from abroad. Kingfisher has estimated debts of $2.5 billion.
flykingfisher.com