In statements to RTP Notícias this morning, Helder Santinhos said that these include some round-trip flights and that all the airline's planes currently abroad will return to Lisbon.

Although he considers the change in the validity of collective agreements "very serious" for the sector, the SPAC leader acknowledges that pilots will not be the most affected if the government's labour reform goes ahead. However, joining the general strike this Thursday "is yet another act of solidarity with the most vulnerable workers," stated Helder Santinhos, stressing that, "given the seriousness of the measures, no one should remain indifferent in expressing their rejection" of the Executive's proposal.

The president of SPAC (Union of Civil Aviation Pilots) cited recent polls indicating that the majority of the population opposes changes to the labour Law to emphasize that "the Government may ignore reality, but it will not be able to ignore the consequences of that reality." "I believe the Government is democratic and will fulfil the will of the Brazilian people," he said.

Nevertheless, Helder Santinhos admitted that if the Executive insists on carrying out these measures, the Union of Civil Aviation Pilots "cannot remain indifferent." Without revealing whether they will hold another strike in that case, he only indicated that they will have to determine what actions will follow. Even so, he believes "that common sense will prevail and it will not be necessary," especially regarding the privatization of TAP, which both the Government and SPAC want to "go as smoothly as possible."