Finnair has reached a tentative agreement in its long-running collective labour negotiations with its pilots, marking a potential turning point after months of disruption. The result, announced on June 8, 2025, outlines a three-year agreement, with the final year considered optional and subject to further agreement. The proposed deal must still be ratified by both Finnair’s management and the pilots’ union leadership.
The negotiations, which began in August 2024, have been marked by tension and repeated industrial action. The dispute, centred on pay, working conditions, and long-term job security, has been one of the most protracted in the company’s recent history.
Kaisa Aalto-Luoto, Finnair’s Chief People Officer, expressed relief at the outcome. “I am very pleased that we have reached a result after lengthy negotiations. Finnair pilots are a group of top professionals vital for our hundred-year history. This agreement is a platform on which we build our future together,” she said.
The deal is seen as crucial not only for restoring normal flight operations but also for setting a stable foundation for Finnair’s strategic goals in the coming years. The airline, which is celebrating its centenary this year, has faced numerous challenges recently, including fluctuating fuel prices, global economic uncertainty, and increased competition on European routes.
Should the agreement be ratified, it would mark the end of a turbulent period for the national carrier and allow Finnair to focus once more on recovery, growth, and maintaining its position as a key player in the Nordic aviation market.
