A survey by pilots’ union Balpa found an overwhelming majority of 1,703 respondents were not confident in the job Shapps was doing. Similarly, 98% also thought the government’s approach to aviation and the pandemic had led them to worry about their job security and career.

Balpa also found 97% of respondents had seen a pay cut due to the pandemic. Asked if they would have trouble meeting essential bills such as mortgage or rent payments once furlough ends, 52% said yes. Half said they would have trouble with household bills or other essential living costs.

Balpa called on Shapps to support the industry through the winter with a six-month extension to the furlough scheme to “avoid committing aviation to the scrap heap”.

The union’s 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.”