RE: Just an observation .......................31 Jul 2022 16:36
Britain's state-backed air traffic control operator has flown into a storm over a seven-figure executive bonus as millions of holidaymakers suffer travel chaos this summer.
NATS, which is 49pc owned by taxpayers, has insisted chief executive Martin Rolfe deserves a £1.2m bonus because air traffic controllers not to blame for massive disruption and thousands of cancelled flights across the country.
The payment has sparked concern across the aviation industry, with executives warning it risks causing reputational damage at a time of crisis.
One airline executive said: “The scale of the bonus is quite extraordinary and I suspect will make many - including NATS’ own staff - wince.
“After years in which airlines have had to pay significant price increases in the cost of UK air traffic control to cover NATS’ pension deficit - making the UK amongst the most expensive countries in Europe for air traffic control service - it’s distinctly galling to see this.