EasyJet is set to remove a row of seats from its A319 fleet in a move to reduce flight staff as it attempts to regain pre-Covid-19 levels of service.
The travel company said the change would allow it to fly with three cabin crew rather than four, and reduce on-board passenger limits to 150 customers per flight.
The firm has been looking for alternative ways to recoup lost profits and make up for reduced passenger volumes over the coronavirus pandemic, and commented that the seat removal would “[build] additional resilience and flexibility” into its operations.
EasyJet was recently hit by a wave of Covid-19 sickness across its staff during the Easter break, which saw hundreds of flights cancelled and passengers left stranded due to staff shortages.
The company said its decision to remove the row of seats would help it reduce staff numbers and still meet the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations for the mandated number of cabin crew on each flight, which is based on the actual seat numbers rather than passenger volumes.
EasyJet added that the last row of six seats tended to be booked last-minute by customers, which would allegedly create a minimal imposition on people making summer travel plans.
The firm commented that it was currently searching for other methods to strengthen its operational resilience, including increased resources for staff accreditation.
EasyJet shares were down 1.3% to 503.6p in noon trading on Monday after the news broke.
