A major European airline has initiated proceedings to shut down this month. Finnish carrier Jetline, founded in Helsinki in 1980, began employee consultation proceedings on June 8. The airline, part of the Wihuri Aviation group, operates charter flights, ambulance flights, delivery, and trade transportation.
According to reports, Jetline will let go of 53 staff members across its flight operations. The company issued a statement confirming the closure, saying: "The negotiations concern the planned discontinuation of the above-mentioned businesses and the potential termination of employment of the associated personnel. The decisions under consideration are driven by the prolonged unprofitable performance of these businesses."
Jetline currently operates a 2000-built, 18-seat Challenger 604, a Challenger 650 manufactured in 2020 configured for up to 12 passengers, and a 2014-produced Falcon 7X with a cabin layout for up to 16 passengers. Its planes are based out of Helsinki-Vantaa.
The Wihuri Group, founded in 1901, employs over 5,000 people across its various businesses. The jet fuel shortage sparked by the war in the Middle East has plunged the aviation industry into jeopardy in recent months. A number of airlines have entered insolvency proceedings, including some in the UK. UK charter airline Zenith Aviation Limited went into administration in May, causing 41 job losses. EcoJet Airlines entered liquidation in May, and in April, Ascend Airways confirmed it was ceasing all operations.
