The airport ground handling services group John Menzies has confirmed today that it is laying off around half its global workforce due the coronavirus COVID-19 causing a major downturn in air travel. The firm said it would need special dispensation to get aid from a UK emergency fund for which it believes it does not currently qualify for.
Menzies is one of the largest ground handling and airport services companies, with a global workforce of around 32,000 people employed at some 200+ airports around the globe.
“John Menzies Plc has existed since 1833 and been listed since 1962, but never have we faced such difficult and unpredictable times,” Chief Executive Giles Wilson said in a statement confirming the cut of over 17,500 positions. "Reductions are being supported in some countries by governmental schemes and we hope that in the fullness of time a high number of these employees can return to the business."
“I now look to our Government to support our business and for them to provide the support required to help the UK aviation sector to navigate this crisis. For the aviation supply chain to function it requires a strong inter-reliant chain of airlines, airports and service providers. Without these three components of the supply chain, working together, the sector will not function. Handlers such as Menzies are therefore essential to the recovery and future success of the UK and global aviation industry.”
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