Thomson plans to cut 600 jobs

Thomson Airways is set to make up to 600 cabin crew redundant, raising the spectre of job cuts at its Manchester Airport operation.

The airline has begun consulting staff over the redundancies, which are being caused by Thomson replacing its fleet with new planes which require less staff.

Unite said it feared up to 600 jobs could be affected under efficiency plans.

The airline, part of the TUI Travel group, employs around 2,600 UK cabin crew including 650 based out of Manchester Airport.

Luton-based Thomson flies to 71 destinations from Manchester, including Europe, the Caribbean, Africa and the US. Manchester is its second largest operation after London Gatwick,

The company said: “Thomson Airways will be entering a 90-day consultation period with members of the cabin crew this month.

“This is as a result of our continuing drive to become more efficient which includes changes to the aircraft fleet.