Finnair Plans Layoffs for Up to 90 Pilots Amid Industrial Action

Finnair is facing potential layoffs of up to 90 pilots due to ongoing industrial action by the Finnish Transport Pilots' Association (SLL), which has extended its strike to include flights operated under a wet lease agreement with Qantas. The airline is initiating change negotiations starting February 12 to address possible furloughs and the contentious inclusion of stand-by duty in employment contracts, a point of contention in negotiations that have been ongoing for months. Finnair's two Airbus A330 aircraft are currently leased to Qantas for routes between Sydney and Bangkok and Singapore, providing work for around 90 pilots. However, the pilots' industrial action has affected the airline's ability to fulfill its contractual obligations, leading to a reconsideration of the cooperation agreement with Qantas. Chief People Officer Kaisa Aalto-Luoto expressed disappointment, noting that the airline has never had to reduce pilot positions due to operational reasons in its 101-year history. A termination of the partnership could significantly reduce available work for Finnair pilots, exacerbating the current employment crisis.