EasyJet plans to offer a bonus to new and existing cabin crew this summer as carriers compete to recruit and retain enough staff for their flights.
Meanwhile, arch-rival Ryanair says it is still having to discount airfares to stimulate demand this summer, despite reports of booming sales from other airlines.
Elsewhere, the UK government could be on collision course with the EU over potential changes to the Northern Ireland protocol, with warnings that this could spark a damaging trade war between the two sides.
Here are the headlines travel woke up to on Monday (16 May).
EasyJet offers £1,000 bonus as airlines battle to recruit staff
The low-cost carrier is offering new and existing cabin crew a £1,000 bonus at the end of the summer season as airlines battle to retain and recruit staff following the rapid recovery in passenger numbers. British Airways is already offering new recruits an extra £1,000 as a “golden hello” payment. (BBC News)
Ryanair still discounting as it warns of ‘fragile’ recovery in demand
Europe’s largest airline has warned that demand for travel remains “fragile”, despite cutting fares to stimulate bookings. Ryanair gave the update as the company announced a reduction in its annual loss to £302 million in its last financial year. (Sky News)
PM’s gamble risks trade war with the EU
Boris Johnson is set to rip up key parts of the Brexit deal this week by changing the Northern Ireland protocol unilaterally – a move which risks starting a potential trade war with the EU and doing further harm to the UK economy. (Various)
‘Back-to-the-office’ message fails to sink in
New figures suggest UK employees are continuing to work from home, despite pleas from the government for them to go back to the office. The latest statistics show offices were only around 30% occupied in early May as people continued to work from home. (Financial Times)
UK holiday let property market set to collapse
The owners of holiday let properties in the UK could lose out due to the end of the staycation boom as more British consumers book foreign holidays again this summer following the removal of Covid-19 restrictions by many destinations. (The Telegraph)
