Czech Airlines has decided to accelerate its 2009 Action Plan. In doing so, it will work with the scenario of an estimated double-digit drop in passenger numbers, even in the summer season, which is key in terms of revenue for all airlines. The planned steps respond to the economic recession and, above all, to the continuing adverse developments on the air carriage market. In connection with the current development of demand for air carriage, CSA will cut back the number of flights on selected European routes or close down those routes that are not in demand among passengers. From the 2009/10 winter schedule, CSA will no longer operate its own long-haul flight to New York. In the winter flight schedule, CSA will also optimise its fleet. The airline’s fleet will be reduced by approximately 10%: two remaining
long-haul A310 (OK-YAC and OK-YAD) will not be deployed on scheduled flights, and will be used for charter operations. In addition to measures aimed at generating additional revenue, the Airline has also persisted in putting pressure on its costs, in spite of the fact that Czech Airlines’ costs have noted significant cuts in the last three years of restructuring. The aim of the 2009 Action Plan is to achieve overall cost savings in excess of CZK 300 million this year. Savings were not neglected in the sphere of personnel costs, either. The airline’s management came to agreement with eight out of the nine trade unions, on a reduction of wages to last year’s level. In the profession that falls under the Union Organisation of Aircraft Mechanics, where agreement was not reached, CSA resorted to layoffs, which ensured the required five-percent reduction in wage costs.
