Airline to withdraw London service cutting 70 UK jobs

Air New Zealand is expected to cut 70 UK cabin crew jobs as it axes it London to Hong Kong route.


The airline is to stop its service between Hong Kong and London from 4 March 2013 claiming the route is no longer profitable.


The airline has said in a statement that approximately 70 London based cabin crew roles are expected to be reduced as a result.


A spokesman added: We're working it through with the union and the various stages of consultation during the next four weeks but are not sure yet when a decision will be made."


Air New Zealand is to continue its London - Los Angeles - Auckland service.


Rob Fyfe, Chief Executive Officer, said a comprehensive review of the Hong Kong -London service has confirmed the route would not become profitable in the foreseeable future. 


He added:"At the same time, we wanted to strengthen our presence in Hong Kong which is an important market and vital gateway into Mainland China for Air New Zealand.  In line with this we have received approval from the New Zealand Ministry of Transport to form a strategic agreement with Cathay Pacific effective from 12 December 2012."


"The agreement will see both carriers continue to operate the same frequency between Auckland and Hong Kong while introducing code share on each other's flights as well as opening up excellent connections between New Zealand and Mainland China."


Customers currently holding tickets for travel with Air New Zealand between Hong Kong and London from March 4 2013 will be re-booked, in most cases onto Cathay Pacific's services which depart within an hour of Air New Zealand's existing service.


Customers will be contacted by Air New Zealand or their agent to confirm their re-booking and reissue their tickets. Air New Zealand is working through re-accommodating approximately 8,000 customers and most customers can expect to be contacted within the next couple of weeks.


Air New Zealand first began operating services between Hong Kong and London inOctober 2006 and has operated between 5-7 times a week using a Boeing 777-200 aircraft.

Monday, November 5, 2012

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