As the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown and the general downturn in the economy bite harder, Arik Air has terminated the appointment of 300 employees.

This was confirmed in a a statement by iArik Air’s spokesperson, Mr Banji Ola.

Arik Air attributed the sack to the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on the airline.

The statement reads “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.”

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The airline said the leadership of the impacted unions had been contacted to negotiate a redundancy package for the affected staff members.

The Airline further stated: “It is important to note that over 50% of Arik Air’s workforce of over 1,600 staff members have been on furlough in the past six months on a base allowance.

“Decisions to let go of staff members is naturally a difficult decision. Arik Air wishes the impacted staff members well in their future endeavours.”