A BRITISH Airways pilot out of work due to the coronavirus pandemic has got a new job as a Tesco delivery driver.
Peter Login has been saluted for his temporary change of career to help self-isolating Brits.
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The BA First Officer is used to flying 747s, but he is now behind the wheel of an Mercedes Sprinter van dropping off groceries to Brits in COVID-19 lockdown.
The airline has grounded all flights at Gatwick, they are reduced at Heathrow and 30,000 cabin crew and ground staff have been laid off.
Over 4,000 pilots were also told they face a 50 per cent pay cut.
Last week, The Sun revealed British Airways was set to furlough thousands of workers on 80 per cent of wages after ten days of intense talks with union bosses.
'ABSOLUTE SUPERSTAR'
It’s the second time in just months Peter has found himself out of work.
He used to work for Thomas Cook for three years before the airline went bust last September.
The former DHL cargo pilot then went on to BA, where he has worked for four months before the coronavirus pandemic stopped flights across the world.
Peter tweeted: “@British_Airways #747 keys hung up for a while Back in the cockpit with @Tesco.”
In his tweet – which has gone viral getting over 7,000 likes – he joked about BA’s ‘To Fly To Serve’ motto – adding: “#EveryLittleHelps #ToDriveToServe #StayHomeStaySafe”
Friends were quick to praise him after he signed up with Tesco.
Brad Tate said: “Shows a lot of character, Peter.I hope you’re back on the flight deck soon.”
Stu Whiteman said: “What an absolute superstar you are.
“That dogged spirit & can-do, will-do attitude will get us through this, yours is such a great example.
“For everyone else, it’s simple; either help the nation by doing the key work required, or stay at home. Nothing else, just one of those two!”
British Airways 747 keys hung up for a while Back in the cockpit with Tesco
Another added: “Just had a look on your timeline, made redundant from Thomas Cook as well.
“You sir are what I call one of life's grafters. Great work sir.”f
One – called George – said: “Thanks for doing your bit to help those who need it. Hopefully you'll be back in the skies very soon."
Adam Parnell said: “Huge respect for you.”
Another pilot – called Deborah – said: “I second that.”
Peter’s partner Marianne Whiston used to work for Thomas Cook as cabin crew.
She now works for the NHS at Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals Foundation Trust.
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As the UK continues to come terms with the ongoing crisis, the country's coronavirus death toll grew yesterday to 4,974 after 621 more people died.
A total of 47,806 across the UK have now tested positive after 5,903 more people were infected.
Last month, Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiled the government's plan to protect workers who lose their jobs as a result of the pandemic.
Staff who are furloughed and put on temporary leave will be paid through government grants to their companies.
Under last week's BA move, cabin crew, ground staff and engineers will get up to 80 per cent of wages paid in a "modified" version of the government's job retention scheme, according to Unite.
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This figure will go up to 100 per cent of staff at Gatwick and London City airports, where BA is no longer operating until the coronavirus crisis eases.
Suspensions are to be shared, with staff working, for example, six weeks off and two weeks on, depending on their area.
Union negotiations have been trying to persuade BA to pay 80 per cent of wages and shift pay, up to £2,500 gross pay per month.
Officials have been fighting with airline bosses to agree that pension contributions from staff and the airline can be taken as salary during the period.
Staff will have up to April 15 to decide on finalised options.
Critical workers not furloughed, such as call centre staff and those involved in live operations, will remain on full pay.
The Unite union hammered out a deal with BA on the future of its staff, with the GMB union agreeing to back the deal.
Both the long serving World Wide fleet, and newer Mixed Fleet cabin crews are in on the same deal.
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