Finnair has begun discussions with its employees on “possible” additional layoffs, the airline said in a press release posted on its website on May 20
The carrier, which said it has been operating only five per cent of its flight network between April and until June, said it is considering these layoffs to match its reduced flying schedule.
“It is clear that as we fly significantly less, the amount of work available is lower than normally as well. The gradually growing traffic program will increase also resource needs in due course. However, considering the uncertainties caused by travel restrictions and the coronavirus situation in general, the return to normal will take a considerable time. That is why the temporary layoffs we now start negotiations on unfortunately seem to be inevitable, ”says Johanna Karppi, SVP for People and Culture at Finnair.
The airline said discussions with its 6,100 employees in Finland regarding the potential layoffs will begin on May 25.
These layoffs could be “temporary for fixed period of time or until further notice based on resource needs”, the carrier said. It also added that similar measures are planned for Finnair employees outside Finland based on the local legislation.
Finland’s flag carrier is planning on gradually adding flights back to its network starting from July. Finnair said it aims to operate approximately 30 per cent of its regular flight capacity in July and it will update its schedule as “travel restrictions are removed and demand starts to recover”.
The carrier estimates to fly approximately 70 per cent of its normal capacity at the end of this year.
