LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Thomas Cook Group plc (TCKGY.PK, TCG.L) Thursday said its Belgium unit intends to use Brussels Airlines for the majority of its flight requirements.
Under the partnership deal, the operations of Thomas Cook Airlines Belgium or TCAB, Thomas Cook's in-house airline which currently serves the Belgian market, will be absorbed into Brussels Airlines.
Brussels Airlines will fly the majority of Thomas Cook's customers, offering them a wider choice of destinations, flights and departure days.
The proposed deal will result in the transfer of all 160 pilots and cabin crew, all flight slots and two aircraft from TCAB to Brussels Airlines. TCAB's remaining three aircraft will be redeployed across the wider Thomas Cook Group while 40 ground staff roles with TCAB would be made redundant.
A collective consultation process has been initiated with TCAB's workers' council and TCAB is committed to working constructively with them to find a successful resolution. As a result of this expanded partnership, Thomas Cook Belgium would cease using TCAB flights from November 2017.
The two companies will work together to assess the opportunity to launch new long-distance flights to sun and beach destinations in North America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia over the next three years.
Jan Dekeyser, Managing Director of Thomas Cook Belgium, said, 'Our extended partnership is consistent with Thomas Cook Group's strategy as we develop closer relationships with selected third parties to work with us to support profitable growth.'
The deal is subject to consultation with the Belgian workers' council and regulatory approvals.
Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX