Pilot-exits gather momentum at UL over pay issues

• Cadre down from 318 pilots pre-COVID to  235  today and more to follow 

More pilots have begun to leave SriLankan Airlines, putting the national carrier’s revival under pressure.

In comparison to pre-COVID cadre of 318 pilots, and post-COVID it fell to 265 and the current team has been reduced to 235 with nearly 40 to follow suit in the coming months, the Daily FT learns.

At a recent media interaction when queried about the flight of pilots, SriLankan Airlines CEO Richard Nutall admitted that the matter was of concern. 

“The number of people leaving is starting to go up. This is something which we are watching very carefully and discussing with the Board and the Ministry as well,” the CEO added. He implied recruitment freeze in the State sector was a problem too. SriLankan has a fleet of 24 of which only 19 are in deployment.

However, Daily FT learns the exodus of pilots was largely fuelled by internal issues such as pegging the salaries at an artificially low US Dollar rate of Rs. 225 whereas its real value is Rs. 360-370 level. 

The recommendation to revert to a realistic rate as opposed to a negative 60% difference hasn’t yielded a positive reaction from the management.



This and the overall lower remuneration along with new higher income tax have prompted UL pilots to opt to seek new careers in competing Middle East airlines which are on a hiring spree. For example, these airlines are also looking for Captains with first round harnessing First Officers.

The exit by pilots also comes at a time when tourist arrivals are picking up in the current Winter season. Last week SriLankan CEO also announced plans to increase frequencies to London, Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul and Sydney.