Kenya Airways fortunes continue to dwindle amidst ongoing talks over possible takeover of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport following revelation that over 130 pilots have left in the past one year.
KQ has struggled to revamp it's source of revenues despite being the national carrier and attempts to resuscitate the parastatal has failed to meet expectations.
Kenya Airline Pilots Association Secretary General Mureithi Nyaga told National Assembly Transport Committee on Monday that most pilots have left during to perceived poor pay.
“Our members have moved to the Middle East airlines who are offering better packages. Why are they not turning down [the offers] if they are the best paid by KQ?" Asked Mr Nyaga.
He told the committee chaired by Pokot South MP David Pkosing that pilots flying Boeing earn a gross salary of Sh483,350 whhile those flying Embraer earn Sh407,916.
“The figures the CEO stated are exaggerated. I am not aware where the CEO of Kenya Airways got the Sh1.6 million he was telling you about,” Mr Nyaga said.
Mr Sebastian Mikosz, the KQ CEO, appearing before the same committee, had said the pilots take home Sh1.6 million per month despite flying only 533 hours in a year.
The association claims that most pilots have moved to the Middle East carriers among them Qatar Airways and Emirates because 'the pay suites their working conditions'.
MPs have opposed the planned merger of KQ and KAA, with President Uhuru Kenyatta's name often drawn to the matter. No deal is yet to be reached.