The European Cockpit Association (ECA) is urging European regulators to close what it describes as a loophole that allows airlines to hire pilots and cabin crew through outsourcing agencies instead of employing them directly. The union argues that the practice weakens worker protections and leaves aviation staff vulnerable to sudden job losses and reduced employment benefits.
The issue gained attention following the collapse of Latvia-based wet-lease carrier SmartLynx Airlines in late 2025. Hundreds of pilots and cabin crew reportedly lost their jobs, with many still awaiting final payments. Former employees said they were directed to join through third-party staffing agencies rather than being hired directly by the airline.
The ECA says the problem extends beyond a single airline and reflects broader employment practices in the ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance) sector. A 2025 study by the University of Ghent found that pilots employed through such arrangements reported higher job insecurity, poorer mental health and greater reluctance to report fatigue, prompting calls for stronger labour protections across Europe’s aviation industry.
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