Reacting to the news Bristow Helicopters is to make 12 pilots redundant, BALPA National Officer Mick Brade said:

“The UK helicopter community has had to endure round after round of redundancies in the last few years.

“This latest announcement by Bristow Helicopters of the loss of eight pilots in Shetland and four in Norwich is another terrible blow.

“BALPA is doing all it can to save as many jobs as possible and to protect the people for whom this is a personal tragedy.

“BALPA representatives have already begun a period of consultation with the company. We have been able to agree to explore options for part time working that could reduce the need to let people go, and to seek volunteers for redundancy.

“We are focusing on supporting the Bristow helicopter community, protecting as many jobs as possible and working to ensure flight safety is not jeopardised.”