Thomas Cook overhauls airline structure

As part of its on-going transformation, Thomas Cook Group has announced an important step in the development of its strategy for the group’s airlines – the proposal of a new structure for its airlines in the UK, Germany and Belgium.
From March 1st 2013, Condor – the Thomas Cook airline brand in Germany, Thomas Cook Airlines UK and Thomas Cook Airlines Belgium will come together as one airline segment within the Group, sharing knowledge and skills to meet the ever-changing needs of customers as well as improved efficiencies.
A new group airline management board will lead the new structure, chaired jointly by Christoph Debus, group head of air travel and Ralf Teckentrup, chief executive, Condor.
The board will also include Torben Østergaard, chief executive Thomas Cook Airlines Scandinavia, Paul Horstink, head of group maintenance and Nikolaus Kirner, procurement director, Thomas Cook Group.
Debus said: “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.”
The new group airline management board will be further strengthened by the appointment of Cor Vrieswijk, who will join Thomas Cook as the new chief operating officer of Thomas Cook Airlines UK from March 1st 2013.
In addition to this UK specific role, he will coordinate and oversee all operational activities across Thomas Cook Airlines as part of his wider remit.
Commenting on his appointment Debus continued, “As we welcome Cor and the valuable insight he brings, we must also thank Frank Pullman, who is retiring from Thomas Cook Airlines UK as managing director, on 1st March, 2013.
“I’d like to thank Frank and we wish him all the best for the future.
“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.”