In 1997, the average number of CSA employees was 3 912. A total of 536 new employees joined the company which represents a 14% increase in the number of new employees over 1996. Inversely, 17%, i.e. 677 employees left the company. 107 employees terminated their employment due to organisational changes. In total, the number of employees, year-to-year, decreased by 2%, while overall productivity increased (see Economic Results chapter).

The management of the company continued to gradually create such wage conditions, within the limits of financial resources, which would enable CSA to compete in the area of wages and reduce unfavourable tendencies in personnel turnover.
The Social Programme of the company and collective agreements concluded with trade unions were implemented in 1997.

In the course of 1997, 6 706 employees passed through CSA training courses. The major share of this number being flight professions (34%), followed by technical professions (31%), ground operation and sales personnel 12% and a considerable number of staff members listed in the company's personnel resources. In keeping with the company's business strategy, a new in-house course was added: "Air Fares, Ticketing and BSP Procedures" which is organised by CSA.

The complex B737 cabin simulator, which together with other training programmes, fully meets the demanding requirements of newly introduced European regulations (JAR - OPS). The simulator allows practical training for all on board activities, including the co-ordination of the entire crew during regular, and especially, emergency situations.

Type-rating training arrangement for all types of aircraft had to be gradually adapted to meet JAR - OPS regulations. Since 1998 CSA has been the only organisation in the Czech Republic which has the permit to organise type rating training (TRTO).

Crew Resource Management (CRM) has been achieved in two test cycles in 1997, and during 1998 all CSA pilots will undergo this specialised training.