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Finnair and and Flybe have signed a Memorandum
of Understanding according to which Finnair will transfer twelve
100-seat Embraer aircraft, to Flybe.
Starting October 2012, Flybe will operate these
aircraft on Finnair routes for Finnair.
The move is a part of Finnair’s efforts to
improve the profitability of its European network, and it offers a
platform for growth for Flybe Nordic.
Last year Finnair and Flybe formed Flybe Nordic
AB, of which Flybe owns 60 % and Finnair 40 %.
“This move is a part of our strategy to restore
Finnair’s profitability,” said Mika Vehviläinen, Finnair CEO. “The
MoU covers approximately one third of our European flights. Flybe
offers a cost efficient platform for operating this traffic, and
enables us to continue to offer a wide network and multiple
frequencies to both our Finnish customers and our customers flying
between Europe and Finnair’s Asian destinations.”
From
the customer point view, the change will be virtually unnoticed.
Finnair continues to be responsible for sales, marketing and
customer support, but the flights are operated by Flybe.
Once the agreement is completed, 12 Embraer aircraft and the
traffic operated with them transfers from Finnair to Flybe. In connection with this business transfer, cabin attendants and
pilots for this traffic will transfer with the business, unless otherwise agreed in negotiations with personnel. Negotiations on
cost savings between Finnair and the Finnish Airline Pilots' Association
took place during the
spring. If the savings agreement under preparation is completed,
pilots transferring to operate Flybe flights would return to
Finnair in stages to be trained as Airbus pilots for Finnair’s
growing Asian traffic.
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