Aviator closure will not lead to Christmas disruption, says airport

MANCHESTER Airport has refuted claims by union Unite that travellers should expect Christmas travel disruption when baggage carrier Aviator ceases operations, saying alternative plans are already being made.

Yesterday, the Unite union warned of disruption over the Christmas period unless Scandinavian baggage carrier Aviator, which is closing its operations on November 30, can transfer about 1,700 staff to other handlers.

Aviator is closing down its UK operations at Manchester, Birmingham, Gatwick and Newcastle airports because it is not making money. At Manchester, its 192 staff service airlines Norwegian, Thomas Cook and SAS.
 
But Unite has since been accused of whipping up a storm without talking to the affected airlines and airports about the plans they have been putting in place.
 
A Manchester Airport spokesman said that the three airlines in question are already in discussion with alternative providers to carry out ground handling services on their behalf and that there will be no Christmas disruption.

He added: “We are working closely with all airlines affected by the situation and are confident there will be no impact on passengers when Aviator ceases trading.”

“Anyone with further queries on sourcing new partners, should speak to the airlines directly.”

Thomas Cook confirmed it has started the process of finding another supplier. “So our customers can continue to travel on their hard earned holidays as expected,” it said.

Aviator also confirmed that it is “in discussions with a large number of stakeholders including airlines to ensure that the process is orderly and well-managed”.  

It added: “We’re consulting with employees and their representatives to deal with any concerns they have and providing further information as and when we have it and will continue to do so.   

“We remain in close cooperation with the unions as well as other stakeholders. Our focus is on maximising employment and meeting the needs of our airline customers while minimising disruption and we are working tirelessly to achieve that goal well in advance of the Christmas travel period.”