Thomas Cook UK & Ireland has confirmed plans to axe six aircraft and cut 250 jobs as part of its strategic review that was revealed in May.

The tour operator announced its plans to cut six aircraft – which will reduce the company’s fleet from 41 to 35 by December.

Approximately 250 staff based in Manchester, will be affected as the company begins a 90 day consultation with employees.

A company spokesman revealed: “We have entered into a 90-day consultation with employees who could be affected by the change; no decision about redundancies will be made until after the consultation.”

The news comes at the same time as the operator has revealed plans to extend their working hours at calls centres in Peterborough and Falkirk, which would involve employees working Sundays and in the evenings until 10pm.

Chief executive of Thomas Cook Mainstream, Ian Ailles explained: “The fleet reduction is one measure within our overall strategic and operating review of the UK business and demonstrates the decisive action that we are taking to improve the profitability of our UK business.

“The airline review has focused on leases, seasonal capacity and mainstream tour operator demand, as well as operational efficiency and profitability.”