newstodate.aero

Aug 27, 2020 (newstodate): Finnair has started negotiations with unions on its plan to cut up to 1,000 jobs, to make other structural changes and to implement additional temporary layoffs due to the impacts of the corona pandemic.
   Strongly hit by the COVID-19, the carrier is seeking fresh capital through new bonds and earlier this week completed the sale-lease back of one Airbus A350-900 aircraft to free capital.
   Downsizing Finnair will have a deep impact on other companies as well, notably Swissport Finland that since 2011 provides the carrier with baggage and apron handling at Helsinki Airport under a contract due to expire in 2021.
   Currently employing some 1,400 people, Swissport Finland has thus opened talks with unions over reductions in workforce comprising up to 700 staff if it fails to win a renewal of the cooperation with Finnair.
   With effect from June 1, 2019, Swissport took over the management of the Finnair COOL Terminal, placed within a separate business unit that will however not be affected by potential downsizing of the handling company's activities at Helsinki Airport.