NTUC and its partners have jointly organised a job matching exercise to assist workers affected by Jetstar Asia’s impending closure in securing new jobs.
The budget airline, along with The Singapore Manual & Mercantile Workers’ Union (SMMWU), NTUC Aviation and Aerospace cluster of unions, NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute), and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), organised the job matching exercise for over 500 retrenched employees at the company’s premises.
The SMMWU represents 80 Jetstar Asia staff.
The job matching exercise, held from 17–19 June 2025 to accommodate staff working on shift work, was specially curated to provide industry-aligned and skills-relevant opportunities.
Around 38 employers are involved in the exercise, with 14 participating at the event. Majority of the employers are from the aerospace and aviation sectors to enhance job matching opportunities.
There are over 1,400 job openings, including pilots and cabin crew, as well as positions in engineering, air hub operations, safety, and quality assurance.
The Singapore Airlines Group, including Scoot, who are mainly hiring pilots and cabin crew, will be present on all three days of the event.
Other employers at the event include SMRT Corporation, SATS and the Changi Airport Group.
NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng visited Changi Airport Terminal 1 on 18 June 2025 to support the affected workers.
At the event, he assured them that NTUC would provide additional career transition support through the NTUC Job Security Council (JSC). Launched in 2020 during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the initiative matches companies looking to hire with those seeking to release workers. The JSC aims to improve job matching for workers before retrenchment, minimising employment disruption.
In a Facebook post on the same day, the Labour Chief further reassured retrenched employees that they can count on the Labour Movement’s continued support.
“I want to assure them that they are not alone.
“My colleagues at the NTUC Aerospace and Aviation cluster and our affiliated union, The Singapore Manual & Mercantile Workers’ Union, have been working closely with the Singapore Airlines Group to consider the employment of Jetstar Asia workers, including cabin crew, pilots and ground staff.
“Some of the workers I met are also considering a move into other sectors, such as hospitality. NTUC’s e2i will be there to support, offering job matching, career coaching, and upskilling guidance,” he said.
On 8 May 2025, Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat said that Singapore’s aviation industry remains a “bright spot” amid an uncertain global environment.
He added that Singapore Airlines Group, the Changi Airport Group and SATS, which are offering various openings at the Jetstar Asia job matching exercise, are continuing to hire for various roles and expand. Meanwhile, construction on Changi Airport Terminal 5 began in mid-May 2025.
Following Jetstar Asia’s announcement on 11 June 2025 of its impending closure, NTUC and its partners have pledged to support retrenched staff.
Mr Ng stated that NTUC and The SMMWU had prior knowledge of the closure and are collaborating closely with the airline to assist affected workers.
Meanwhile, the Taskforce for Responsible Retrenchment and Employment Facilitation, which includes NTUC and e2i, will work with Jetstar Asia to provide support. It noted that the carrier has committed to a retrenchment package in line with the Tripartite Advisory on Managing Excess Manpower.
Additionally, The SMMWU shared that it has negotiated terms to ensure proper care and fair compensation for retrenched workers and will offer job placement assistance, career advisory services, and financial aid.
The union also encouraged affected workers to apply for the SkillsFuture Jobseekers Support scheme for temporary financial aid and to utilise the Union Training Assistance Programme (UTAP) for training cost support while seeking new jobs.
On 11 June 2025, Australia’s Qantas Group announced the closure of Jetstar Asia due to rising supplier costs, airport fees, and increased regional competition, which is hindering its ability to offer low fares. The budget airline will operate until 31 July 2025, affecting over 500 employees.
Jetstar Asia will provide retrenchment benefits and seek to redeploy affected staff within the Qantas group and among other airlines and aviation partners in Singapore. Jetstar Airways in Australia and New Zealand, as well as Jetstar Japan, will not be affected by these retrenchments.
Union members needing assistance can contact The SMMWU at feedback@smmwu.org.sg or 6294 2481 from Mondays to Thursdays (9am-6pm) and Fridays (9am- 5pm). Meanwhile, other Jetstar Asia employees can visit e2i to find out more about their career support services.
