Finnair to transfer European flying operations to British carrier Flybe

Most of Finnair flights to Europe will now be tackled by another British carrier. Finnair recently announced it will be outsourcing about one third of its European flights operations to British regional low-cost carrier Flybe.

Both the carriers have already signed a memorandum of understanding. The deal will become effective in October this year.

Finnair in a statement said that it is taking this step aiming a return to profitability after years of mounting losses. The airline disclosed that it has unveiled a $176.12 million (140 million Euros) cost saving program, which will be fully implemented in 2014.

The airline said that the cost saving measures include the sale of its catering unit, outsourcing engine and component maintenance and reduction of its European fleet by nine aircraft - four Airbus A320s and five Embraer 170s.

According to the deal, Finnair will be transferring all of its twelve Embraer 190s to Flybe. The airline stated that the aircrafts will be operated by Flybe on behalf of Finnair on existing routes. The marketing and sales will also be handled by Finnair, while Flybe will be operating the aircrafts.