Finavia to cut up to 480 jobs

The state-run company Finavia, which operates country´s airports announced to cut up to 480 jobs following the financial difficulties created due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The company also decided to re-organise its manpower and continue temporary lay-offs, said an official press release.

The cooperation negotiations concern the entire staff of airport operator Finavia and its subsidiary Airpro.

“The aviation and travel industries are facing unprecedented financial difficulties. Flying has stopped almost completely, which has led to a significant decrease in our income. We must adjust Finavia’s operations to the situation and prepare for the possibility that it may take years for travel to return to normal,” said Kimmo Mäki, Finavia’s President and CEO in a statement.

According to a preliminary estimate, Finavia needs to cut a maximum of 130 jobs and Airpro a maximum of 350 jobs.

So far, staff has been temporarily laid off both on a part-time and on a full-time basis at both companies.

Some of the companies’ employees have been temporarily laid off since March. The temporary lay-offs are estimated to continue.

“Until now, we have used temporary lay-offs that started in spring and have lasted for a long time to try to retain jobs and our special aviation industry expertise. However, as the coronavirus crisis has continued, it has become clear that there is no longer enough work for everyone,” said Mäki.

Both the companies will start their own cooperation negotiations on 4 November.

Finavia Group started an extensive cost-cutting programme at the beginning of the coronavirus crisis and has cut costs significantly in operations. The company is aiming for a total of EUR 200 million in savings by 2023, and job cuts are one part of this.