LOW cost carrier AirAsia and sister company AirAsia X are set to embark on a second round of lay-offs as they try to weather the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, sources said.

According to these sources, the affected staff will be emailed about their status within 24 to 72 hours.

It is understood that AirAsia CEO Riad Asmat held a briefing on this matter earlier today.

“Cabin crew and pilots will be affected,” one source told The Malaysian Insight, adding there was a possibility that more cabin crew will be retrenched this time compared to first round of lay-offs a few months ago.

Pilots who are retained may also be required to take unpaid leave for 15 days a month.

The management is also mulling a 25% pay cut for staff it retains, the source said.

Other sources said a separate briefing was also held for staff of AirAsiaX, which provides long-haul flights, and the airline is expected to retain at least 80 cabin crew.

The Malaysian Insight has reached out to Riad for comments.

In the group’s last corporate restructuring on June 3, 172 pilots, 111 cabin crew and 50 engineers lost their jobs.

Executives held townhall sessions with staff from various departments, informing them that they were about to be laid off. – September 28, 2020.