As the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic continues to bite hard on airlines across the world, Kenya Airways has reportedly declared more workers redundant.

Kenyan Flying Nomad reports that many of the workers, who include pilots and cabin crew, were hired as late as February and were still on training.

According to the airlines’ Chief Human Resources Officer, Evelyne Munyoki, the decision followed the effects of coronavirus which have seen the airline remain grounded since March.

Sources report that this might be the first wave of redundancies as Kenya Airways seeks to streamline operations. Staff including pilots will go on unpaid leave starting this month.

As countries around the world begin to relax COVID-19 travel restrictions, Kenya Airways is yet to announce a substantive date for the resumption of scheduled passenger services.