Following the closure of Jetstar Asia’s operations, a significant number of the airline’s former pilots and cabin crew have successfully secured new employment or are in advanced stages of the hiring process. The news was shared by Labour Chief Ng Chee Meng, providing a positive update on the employment situation for those affected.
The airline, which ceased its flights in July, had announced its closure in June. This decision resulted in over 500 individuals in Singapore being made redundant. In response, the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) promptly offered support, including setting up a job fair at Jetstar Asia’s office. This event featured over 1,400 job vacancies from various companies.
In his recent update, Mr. Ng revealed that approximately 90% of the displaced pilots and cabin crew have either found new jobs or are currently in the interview stage with companies, including the Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group and Marina Bay Sands.
He also shared a personal reflection after meeting some of the former Jetstar Asia employees who had transitioned to Scoot, which is part of the SIA Group. “They told me their experiences were a blend of anxiety and joy, particularly for one new father welcoming his second child while facing the challenges of Jetstar’s closure,” he wrote in his Facebook post. Mr. Ng added that these mid-career workers were also concerned about adapting to new technology and different company cultures.
The SIA Group, including its budget airline Scoot, was noted as the primary company assisting with the hiring of pilots and cabin crew. Other notable organizations that participated in the job fair to offer positions included Airbus Singapore, Changi Airport Group, SATS, SMRT, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore.
It was also mentioned that Jetstar Asia had previously operated flights to numerous destinations across the region, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, China, Japan, and Australia. Scoot is reportedly planning to take over some of these routes, which aligns with the hiring of former Jetstar staff.
