Finnair prepares for possible flight cancellations

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 labor agreement negotiations are still ongoing between Finnair and the pilot union. The collective labor 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.