Thomas Cook sets new airline structure
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Thomas Cook Group is to merge its UK, German and Belgian airlines under one sector as part of its turnaround plans.
From 1 March Condor, Thomas Cook Airlines UK and Thomas Cook Airlines Belgium will all come under one airline department to help make the company more efficient.
Christoph Debus, group head of air travel and Condor CEO Ralf Teckentrup will chair the board with members including bosses from across the group.
Frank Pullman will retire as managing director at Thomas Cook Airlines UK on 1 March 2013. He will be replaced by Cor Vrieswijk, who will have the title of chief operating officer at Thomas Cook Airlines UK, overseeing both the UK airline as well as operational activities across Thomas Cook Airlines. Vrieswijk previously worked as COO at easyJet and was an interim CEO at Air Malta.
“As we strive to meet the needs of our customers by offering greater flexibility, better choice, high touch service, on time performance and real value, at a time when the European airline industry is experiencing major change, we believe that our airline will be stronger as one integrated business,” said Debus on the changes.
“As we welcome Cor and the valuable insight he brings, we must also thank Frank Pullman… I would also like to thank our airline teams across Europe for the hard work and commitment they have shown as we’ve worked towards this important milestone, and together build a stronger future for the Thomas Cook Group,” he added.