The Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group will be extending employment opportunities across its network to affected employees of Jetstar Asia, following the announcement that the Singapore-based budget airline will cease operations from 31 July.
Approximately 500 staff based in Singapore are set to be retrenched as a result of the closure, announced by Jetstar Asia’s parent company Qantas on Wednesday. Rising supplier costs, elevated airport fees, and intensifying competition in the low-cost carrier segment were cited as contributing factors behind the decision.
To support affected personnel, SIA Group is offering around 100 pilot positions and approximately 200 cabin crew roles across its carriers. A spokesperson for SIA stated on 13 June that the Group has been in close coordination with Jetstar Asia since the announcement and is committed to assisting employees through this transition.
“We are creating a number of opportunities across our airlines, including positions for around 100 pilots and 200 cabin crew. Our aim is to support as many affected staff as possible in continuing their careers within the aviation sector,” the spokesperson said.
SIA and Scoot representatives will be present at Jetstar Asia’s office from 17 to 19 June to meet with interested employees and provide further information on the available roles.
“We understand that this is a time of uncertainty and are committed to providing the necessary support to help make the recruitment and onboarding process as smooth as possible,” the spokesperson added. The Group also expressed appreciation for the experience and professionalism of Jetstar Asia’s workforce and looks forward to welcoming successful candidates.
The closure announcement came as a surprise to many Jetstar Asia employees, who expressed their shock at what they described as an “extreme” measure. Nonetheless, staff acknowledged the company’s comprehensive retrenchment package and transition support.
Each affected employee will receive four weeks’ salary for every year of service, along with a bonus for the 2025 financial year, a special appreciation payment, and continued access to staff travel benefits equivalent to their tenure.
The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), in collaboration with the Singapore Manual and Mercantile Workers’ Union (SMMWU), is also engaged in efforts to assist the retrenched workers. Labour chief Ng Chee Meng confirmed that NTUC and its Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) will be stationed at Changi Airport Terminal 1 from next week to offer job placement services, career coaching, skills upgrading, and employability support—particularly targeting the aviation and aerospace sectors.
Jetstar Asia will maintain flight operations over the next seven weeks before formally ceasing services at the end of July.
-CNA
