Finnair is planning to subcontract cabin crew on certain long-haul flights in a bid save money and help the airline return to profitability.
The carrier – which has incurred losses in recent years due to the effects of the pandemic and the closure of Russian airspace – plans to subcontract cabin crew and inflight services on routes to Thailand and the US by the end of next year.
Finnair said it has agreed cost savings measures with some employees, but not with cabin crew, forcing it to seek alternative methods.
The airline employs around 1,750 cabin crew, but this move could reduce that number by 450.
“Our target continues to be to find a savings solution together with our cabin crew. We now need a genuine will from the negotiators to find solutions,” said Finnair chief executive Topi Manner.
Finnair will open talks with union representatives later this month, with negotiations expected to last at least 6 weeks.
