Pilots call for XL inquiry

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The British Airline Pilots Association said it could not understand how XL planes were flown back to the UK empty while a mission to repatriate thousands of stranded holidaymakers was under way.

Pilots also want a high level review of how compensation claims are dealt with and called on the Government to help workers suddenly laid off by the crisis.

General secretary Jim McAuslan said in a letter to Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly: "The sale of the French and German subsidiaries on the day of the collapse has surprised our members and they want an explanation. It would be too easy for the big financial upheavals of the past week to let the XL situation slip by unremarked.

"It is being suggested to pilots who are owed money that the cupboard is bare. Well, someone's cupboard is not bare.

"The series of collapses highlights the fragility of an industry which employs so many people and contributes so much to the UK economy. The last thing we need is more taxes and we ask you to press the Treasury to call a halt to the plans for aviation duty. The industry needs breathing space."