Dhaka, Aug. 12 -- Over 6,000 of the 27,000 staff of Singapore Airlines have taken no-pay leave of various lengths to help the group survive the coronavirus crisis which led to a collapse in air travel.

Also, over 1,700 employees, including ground staff, pilots and cabin crew, have signed up for volunteer positions and jobs in external organisations.

The SIA Group -- which comprises SIA, regional arm SilkAir and budget carrier Scoot - made the announcement on August 7.

A spokesman for the airline said it has been arranging temporary and secondary job placements for its staff.

"These include ambassador roles and opportunities at public transport stations, social service offices and hospitals, for example," said the spokesman.

Staff can...