AF-KLM Cargo boss and court rejects pilots’ status claim and confirmed that Martinair is not for sale like TNT couriers
FedEx has bought TNT and become Europe’s second largest cargo handler after UPS. the rumours about the sale of Martinair to AF-0KLM were up since last few weeks and employees of the airline were on strike to get benefits similar to AF-KLM employees but Martinair is not up for sale, said the head of cargo at AF-KLM. The court has also rejected pilots’ status claim.
The sale process is not more on the agenda as last year several stakeholders of the airline were believing that business transactions were not possible any more but business has changed its plans and implemented a new business plan for the recovery of Martinair. the new plan has worked and now Martinair is not for sale…
According to the new plan, air cargo carrier is about to cut their freighter fleet back to three 747-400ERFs with a fourth flight as a backup. The director of the airline has said that there is still a chance of a cargo alliance partner to help the airline. There is a likely chance for Delta airline to become an alliance partner in the future. It is a U.S. based airline.
The future of the Martinair has been confirmed after the court decision on the claim of 185 pilots to transfer their jobs. They have lost their claim in a Dutch administrative court over job transfer.
This group of pilots has argued that a transfer of undertaking between Martinair and KLM clearly means that KLM is taking over the Martinair business. If it happens, the employees of Martinair automatically secure their right to enjoy the same benefits and job conditions as of the KLM employees.
After the court procedures and proceedings, the court has found that KLM had not continued any activities with Martinair or even they are not engaging them in any collective business operations. KLM has taken over few destinations but the rights to land there are still with the Martinair and they even have not taken over any aircrafts of Martinair.
As the result of the case, the court has given its decision against the pilots and said that they do not have any rights to transfer their jobs with the similar benefits as of the KLM employees have. However, they still have the right to do the job with KLM but as new employees.
Former cargo boss Eric Varwijk had reassured to the pilots of Martinair that the jobs would be found for them at KLM or Transavia. However with the Martinair who is cutting their costs, would treat the pilots as new employees to keep the contracts cheap.
Last week, Air Bridge Cargo has told the media that it was still interested in the possible acquisition of Martinair but this dream has come to an end, after Martinair has announced that it is not for sale.
