Half of pilots responding to a survey from union Balpa say they will struggle to cover essential bills should furlough not be extended through the winter.
The Balpa survey also found 98% of pilots do not have confidence in transport secretary Grant Shapps’ support for the aviation and travel industry.
The results have been released this week as part of calls to extend the furlough scheme, which is due to come to an end at the end of September and MPs return to Parliament after summer recess.
Balpa is calling for a six month extension to the furlough scheme for the aviation industry
Acting general secretary, Martin Chalk, said: “Our current transport secretary has presided over the worst two summer seasons in aviation’s global history and we have lost confidence in his support for aviation.
“We’ve seen him waste time on ineffectual task forces, implement confusing traffic light systems and undermine public confidence whilst doing little to help those at the sharp end of the Covid crisis.
“Nearly half of the pilots who responded to our survey said they will not be able to pay essential bills if the furlough scheme is not extended and it is government restrictions that are blocking their return to normal flying.
“Now is his last chance to back a sector so crucial to the economic recovery we know we need.
“Mr Shapps: you must do the right thing for the sector, the economy and the country and support us now.”