Dhaka, Aug. 13 -- Singapore Airlines is offering its cabin crew the option of early release or retirement, as the carrier seeks to further minimise costs and mitigate the impact of the coronavirus pandemic

The COVID-19 Voluntary Release Scheme is also open to cabin crew members who are on probation, and will come with payouts and benefits, a spokesperson for SIA said on August 12. It is not applicable to trainee crew members.

The scheme was introduced in light of the adverse impact of COVID-19 pandemic and a "slower projected trajectory recovery for international air travel", the spokesperson added.

Cabin crew members from both Singapore Airlines and SilkAir have until August 31 to apply for the scheme.

"Applications are subject to ap...