Air New Zealand to slash staff after profit drop
WELLINGTON, New Zealand—Air New Zealand plans to cut hundreds of jobs after a 71 percent drop in its half-year profit.
New Zealand's national carrier announced Friday it plans to reduce its work force by 441 people -- 175 through layoffs and the rest through attrition. The airline has a staff of 11,500.
The airline said its profit before tax for the six months ending Dec. 2011 was down more than two-thirds to 33 million New Zealand dollars ($27.5 million).
In a statement, the airline blamed a weak global economy and the high cost of jet fuel for the result, but said it's overall position remains strong and it will keep paying shareholders a dividend.
The company's chief executive, Rob Fyfe, announced last month he will retire effective December to pursue other opportunities.
