Seasonal contracts are being offered to easyJet pilots among a list of options on the table to reduce more than 700 flight crew job cuts.
The new contracts are hoped to limit the number of compulsory redundancies the budget airline has to make by matching pilot numbers to demand due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Other options being offered to pilots include working for two weeks and then having two weeks off, dropping four days from their normal pattern of 13 fixed days, working for three weeks and then having a week off or unpaid leave lasting from six to 18 months.
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Pilots can also opt for voluntary redundancy as the airline seeks to cut costs as it operates just 40% of its originally planned capacity in the July to September peak summer quarter after an initial re-start in June.
The airline is also closing bases at Newcastle, Southend and Stansted airports.
An easyJet spokesperson said: “As part of its ongoing discussions with [pilots’ union] Balpa, easyJet’s UK pilots have been offered a range of alternative contract options in an effort to mitigate the number of compulsory redundancies and job loses overall.
“Amongst the options that can be selected are voluntary redundancy, part time working and seasonal contracts along with extended unpaid leave and base transfers.
“Pilots have been asked to submit their preferences in the coming days. These options have been agreed with Balpa.”