Struggling Kenya Airways will reportedly send home 600 employees in its restructuring plan with effect from May 2016.

Airline officials hope the layoffs, which is part of the struggling carrier's “Operation Pride” turnaround programme, will fly it to profitability.

The redundancies are likely to arouse a backlash from aviation workers' unions, one of which has clashed with Kenya Airways on several occasions.

Kenya Airways Chief Executive Mbuvi Ngunze described the move as one of the "hard decisions" the airline has had to make to improve profitability.

He said the heavily indebted carrier would also re-examine its operating model and network and seek a long-term financial structure.

“The decision is not made lightly, and I want to thank all employees for their tremendous resilience and commitment in serving our guests in challenging times for the company" Mr Ngunze said.

The flag carrier hopes to recoup some Sh2 billion and spend it on various initiatives, mainly focused on increasing revenue and reducing costs.

The 600 staff to be made redundant will be drawn from various departments and all cadres of staff. A list is being drawn detailing the positions and specific staff to be eliminated.

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