Brno-based traveltech company Kiwi.com has confirmed the layoffs of approximately 216 individuals, a number that reflects 18 per cent of its staff.
In a statement provided to Tech.eu, Kiwi.com CEO and founder Oliver Dlouhy shared:
"This is one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make in my life as it affects respected team members who have been part of the Kiwi.com journey.
“The structure we have been operating with for many years, that includes capable and talented people, was put in place to support the transactional model that was right for us, the market and our customers at the time."
The news arrives just days after Kiwi.com and Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair announced a partnership, one deemed as “a significant and positive development”, and paving the way for the resolution of a prolonged dispute that saw the two parties make courtroom appearances in both Czechia and Spain.
Ryanair has filed multiple cases against Kiwi.com stemming from various issues including transparency and how a customer would receive compensation for delayed or cancelled flights when purchasing a ticket via Kiwi.com.
Speaking to Tech.eu, a company representative stressed that the round of layoffs is not a hasty decision, but one that reflects a shift in strategy to a customer-centric approach and that the restructuring is part of other steps being taken that include managing costs as well as introducing new initiatives that support business growth.
Dlouhy added:
“Of course our key priority at this time is to support our team members affected by the changes and we’re dedicated to ensuring that our severance packages are not only fair but generous and providing resources to assist with the transition.”
Lead image: Photo by Jacques Le Gall
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