Sama to cut workforce; talks fail to gain government support

Sama Airlines reportedly laid-off most staff after talks with the Saudi Arabian Government failed to yield a commitment to support the company (Zawya/Guff News, 29-Aug-2010). The company has losses of approximately USD230 million. CEO Bruce Ashby, in a circular to staff, commented on the prospect of resumed operations: "We will not be able to restart operations quickly. Instead, we are facing a longer-term reorganisation. We also will need to reduce our workforce. Most of our employees will be released from duty today, 28 August 2010. We will ask certain employees to stay on for a longer period in order to help shut down operations, organise administrative matters and continue to move our customers to other airlines."