With the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic some layoffs have been particularly harsh. A pilot a Qatar Airways pilot received this astounding notice, whereby at face value not only was she dismissed, but she had to pay back a huge training bond.
Four and a half years ago this pilot entered into an agreement with the airline that amounted to indentured servitude – they’d continue flying in exchange for training, and if they were no longer employed as a pilot by the airline they’d have to make repayment towards their training costs.
Qatar fired this pilot, have them seven days of severance, and presented them with a bill for US$162,343 at current exchange rates. Please note though that as always there is more to a story than meets the eye. It is reported that the pilot had refused a flying job because he had got married and her new husband would not permit it. She also reportedly has a huge reputation for ‘being demanding and difficult’.