OSM Aviation reaches agreement with the British Airline Pilots Association

Oslo 15.06.2016 – OSM Aviation Group has entered into a three-year agreement with the British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) through its British subsidiary OSM Aviation UK Ltd. The pilots covered by this deal currently fly for Norwegian in the UK. The agreement includes provisions on collective bargaining rights concerning pilot pay and working conditions.

Offering secure and long-term jobs “We’re pleased to have put this agreement in place,” says Espen Høiby, CEO of OSM Aviation. “We want to offer our employees secure and long-term jobs.” “That also includes dealing with their unions to maintain the best possible relationship and to contribute to competitive pay and working conditions. That’s important for both sides, and naturally also for the airlines which are our customers.”

Terry Brandon, BALPA national officer, comments: “After several days of negotiations, BALPA is pleased to confirm that its members based at London Airport Gatwick voted overwhelmingly to accept a three-year package that includes year-on-year increases to pay.

A firm foundation for BALPA “The deal has been consolidated into a collective bargaining agreement, a firm foundation for BALPA to build on. It provides new scope and structures to work with OSM Aviation and the airline collaboratively on matters such as rostering.” “The International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) welcomes the collective bargaining agreement between BALPA and OSM Aviation,” says Stephen Cotton, general secretary of the ITF.

“The ITF supports agreements made with national unions and their employers.” BALPA has over 10 000 members, who represent more than 75 per cent of its potential membership. OSM Aviation is growing fast, and its UK subsidiary currently employs 100 pilots.

Most of these fly for Norwegian, which is OSM Aviation’s biggest customer.

Highly qualified crew OSM Aviation Group has specialised in providing highly qualified crew for international airlines. A commitment to expertise, quality, service and security allows the company to offer pilots and cabin personnel secure long-term jobs and good career opportunities. In just over two years, it has built up an organisation with 2 200 employees in 14 different countries. A further 1 000 people are to be recruited during 2016. OSM Aviation currently has nine airlines as customers.

As previously reported, Norwegian intends to acquire 50 per cent of the shares in OSM Aviation. This transaction is conditional on approval by the EU, and a clarification is expected in the near future. With Norwegian as a shareholder, OSM Aviation will be able to pursue further expansion in new markets even more vigorously.

Contact
Espen Høiby, CEO, OSM Aviation Group
Mobile: +47 901 01 002
E-mail: Espen.Hoiby at osmaviation.com