Brazil: Union criticizes Azul flights reduction due to crew shortage

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Azul Airlines will cancel hundreds of flights in January due to the high number of medical leaves of crew. The information was confirmed by the National Union of Airline Workers (SNA) on Friday, January 7.

According to the company, there was a 405% increase in absences in January for medical reasons, compared to the last two months. Azul also reported to SNA that the month is marked by an extensive airline network.

The medical leaves have been mostly driven by Covid-19 and Influenza. With fewer crew, the Union claims that workers in the category have been exposed to “frantic roster changes.”

“What the company told us today: it intends to cancel hundreds of flights in January, in the second half of the month, mainly due to a shortage of crew members,” stated Union chairman Ondino Dutra.

The SNA represents airline workers such as pilots and flight attendants.

RESCHEDULING

The high number of influenza and Covid-19 cases has led to an increase in crew contamination and forced the company to change flights. According to the company, a number of its flights had to be rescheduled.

“Azul reports that, for operational reasons, some of its flights in January are being rescheduled. The company recorded an increase in the number of medical leaves among its crew – cases that, as a whole, were of mild symptoms – and has monitored the growth in the number of cases of influenza and Covid-19 in Brazil and worldwide,” the company said in a statement.

Brazil’s leading airline, Azul also stressed that, despite the leaves, over 90% of scheduled trips are being maintained, according to ANAC (National Civil Aviation Agency).

“It is important to emphasize that more than 90% of the company’s operations are running normally and that the impacted customers are being notified of the changes, relocated to other company flights and receiving all necessary assistance, as provided in ANAC’s Resolution No. 400,” Azul said in a statement.