Contract pilots and the worldwide economy

[changer]

A historical question for the experienced contract pilots on here...

How does global (or country specific) economic expansion and contraction effect the contract pilots? Do your airlines shrink in economic hard times and let go of employees, as they do here in the US?

If an airline cuts back on the number of pilots, do they let go of expats first? Would they simply cancel your contract?

Thanks

[NVpilot]

In an economic downturn I would fully expect to be terminated, contract pilots for the most part, temporary labor.

[pacificgypsy]

Usually works in stages.....initially there is no hiring, then the pay cut phase and finally retrenchments.
As for those already employed on a contract....these may not be renewed! Hence the difficult employment cycle continues for another 2 or 3 years!

[Capt. Barberpole]

Yes this is the way it works

[changer]

thanks for the replies:ok:

Typically, are there clauses in the contracts whereby the airline could cancel your contract before the term ends? Or would the airline honor the contract until the term ends and then simply not offer renewal?

I'm curious to hear from anyone who was flying for any Asian carrier during the 1998 Asian economic "crisis". How did the expat pilots fare back then?

[rockandroll1]

Typically 30/60/90 days notice period.

[pacificgypsy]

Unless the airline is planning to park aircraft, hence reduce capacity significantly, there is no need to quickly reduce the pilot numbers.

Asian airlines don't usually downsize their fleet size significantly but usually fine tune route frequency etc to reduce any losses.

If the airline does decide to phase out a particular aircraft type from the fleet then expats probably wouldn't get a transfer onto another aircraft type but find their services terminated as the last of the type departs.

Airline management may decide to terminate pilots ( using the notice periods stated in contracts as previously mentioned ) that have been 'problematic' but normal attrition and the option not to renew expiring contracts will normally provide adequate control of numbers.