Finnair is preparing for possible individual flight cancellations due to working restrictions set by the Finnish Pilots’ Association. In unforeseen cases, Finnair might not have enough pilots to operate certain flights due to the restrictions placed by the Finnish Pilots’ Association. These restrictions include a ban on pilots working additional flights and pilot roster changes to cover for last-minute illnesses. Collective labour agreement negotiations are still ongoing between Finnair and the pilot union. The collective labour agreement expired on November 15, 2016.
Finnair may need to cancel a flight for example if a pilot becomes ill and there aren’t enough standby and management pilots to fill the position. Currently, Finnair has fewer pilots available for duty than usual as the company is training pilots for new aircraft types and positions as part of its growth strategy.
Finnair plans to wet lease an aircraft to cover for potential cancellations on the European routes.
Finnair has cancelled one long haul flight on Sunday. Confirmed cancellations will be announced on Finnair’s web pages at https://www.finnair.com/int/gb/information-services/flights/flightslist. Customers whose flights are cancelled will also receive a text message or email. Customers are advised to make sure their mobile phone numbers and email addresses are included in the reservation details. Finnair will also communicate any updates on the situation in Facebook and Twitter.
In case of a flight cancellation, customers can postpone their trip free of charge between 28 November and 21 December, 2016 or between 1 January and 30 June 31 March, 2017 according to seat availability. Customers are entitled to a ticket refund if they choose not to travel.
“We are very sorry for the inconvenience and worry these cancellations might cause to our customers. We are making every effort to find the best possible alternative flights for our affected customers,” says Jaakko Schildt, Finnair’s Chief Operating Officer. “The negotiations are ongoing. I am hopeful we will reach an agreement soon with the Finnish Pilot’s Association so we can resume normal flight operations.”
Up-to-date information can be found at finnair.com/info. Finnair will communicate to customers with text messages, email and in Twitter and Facebook.
