Finnair places pilots on unpaid leave

by Jarkko on March 13, 2009

: Image by Mark McLaughlin via Flickr

Finnair is to place its pilots on unpaid leave as a consequence of a change in
flight schedules. The periods of leave, of at least one week, will be
implemented as of mid-April. The reduction in human resources will vary
depending on the aircraft type.

“In the present climate of demand, flight schedules and the requirement for
unpaid leave are being monitored regularly,” says Veikko Sievänen, Senior Vice
President, Flight Operations Division.

The measures cover at this stage some 700 pilots and are part of a 30 million
euro savings package being implemented by the Flight Operations Division.

Finnair Catering Launches Statutory Employer-Employee Negotiations

Also, Finnair Catering Oy, which produces in-flight meals and is responsible
for Finnair Shop sales, plans to place its entire staff on temporary unpaid
leave. The leave is to be implemented according to negotiations and the length
is estimated to vary between two weeks and three months.

“The economic situation and productivity of Finnair Catering have weakened
significantly,” says Kristina Inkiläinen, Managing Director of Finnair Catering
Oy. “The number of passengers has fallen and the travel model has changed
conclusively since the beginning of the year, which has reduced sales clearly.
It is predicted that operations will also be weaker in the future.”

In order to ensure profitability, Finnair Catering Oy has set a target for new
savings of 3.9 million euros for the current year.