Ramp-up in the air: Impairing or repairing aviation crews’ working conditions? A mixed-methods survey study on working conditions, health, and safety among cabin crew and pilots in Europe

Abstract

IntroductionOrganizational changes, such as downsizing, can have profound implications for organizations, working conditions, and individual well-being. Similarly, rapid expansion also carries potential risks to individual health. During the Covid-19 pandemic, airlines experienced substantial organizational changes, such as downsizing and furloughs, followed by rapid expansion during the ramp-up phase of flying, posing risks to the health and safety of aviation personnel in the new post-pandemic aviation landscape. MethodThis cross-sectional and mixed-method survey study aimed to identify what post-pandemic challenges pilots (N = 6379) and cabin crew (N = 2679) face regarding working conditions, health, and flight safety. ResultsThe results indicate deteriorated working conditions, health, and perceived safety among crew in the new aviation landscape. One in two cabin crew and one in three pilots report a decline in mental health. Whilst most pilots and cabin crew report no change in overall safety, 29% of cabin crew and 36% of surveyed pilots state that safety has deteriorated since the onset of the pandemic. This development is connected to an increased sense of industry instability, job insecurity, imbalanced job design, and management distrust among aviation crew. Furthermore, the uncertainties surrounding the industry have not only impacted job security and induced job-related worry but have also intensified operational pressures, with perceived impacts on flight and passenger safety. ConclusionThe organizational framework, e.g., financial pressures, may have an effect on safety, either directly or indirectly by financial worry impeding crew performance. Hence, safety cannot be examined in isolation from employee health but must be understood in relation to the complex dynamics and competing objectives within aviation. Further, crew experiences across Europe are largely homogeneous, suggesting that identified risks may not be airline specific. Therefore, it is important to further examine the industry framework for inherent risk factors that could impact employee health and flight safety.