LTN man
28th May 2002, 18:33
Up to 240 jobs were under threat tonight after a passenger and aircraft handling firm announced plans to close two of its UK operations.
Aviance said it was shutting down offices at both Glasgow and Cardiff airports following the downturn in the aviation industry after September 11.
A spokesman for the firm said: "In the case of our Cardiff and Glasgow operations, the business was marginal prior to the downturn and the reduction in services in recent months has created a situation that is untenable.
"It is therefore with very much regret that we have to announce our intention to withdraw from operations at Cardiff and Glasgow airports. Both of these operations were looking decidedly unprofitable."
Aviance, which employs about 4,500 staff across the UK, undertook an in-depth review of its market position after September 11 in a bid to look at the best ways to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
The spokesman added: "We will commence the process of consultation with our staff, our customers and the airport authorities to finalise a plan for our orderly withdrawal."
But he went on: "This course of action, by its very nature, will impact on jobs at both Cardiff and Glasgow airports, but the company will continue to work closely with the unions and employees to minimise the impact where possible."
Aviance - which provides staff at airports across the UK to work in check-in and boarding operations as well as baggage sorting and loading - currently employs 195 staff at Glasgow airport and 45 at Cardiff.
The company said it had no plans to shut down any of its other operations, which remain in Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dublin and across England.
Unions said the announcement had dealt a "devastating blow" to the sector.
T&G regional industrial organiser Donald Munro said the union would do all it could to maximise job security and protect "an essential service for the public".
He added: "Our main concern is for the workforce."
Aviance said it was shutting down offices at both Glasgow and Cardiff airports following the downturn in the aviation industry after September 11.
A spokesman for the firm said: "In the case of our Cardiff and Glasgow operations, the business was marginal prior to the downturn and the reduction in services in recent months has created a situation that is untenable.
"It is therefore with very much regret that we have to announce our intention to withdraw from operations at Cardiff and Glasgow airports. Both of these operations were looking decidedly unprofitable."
Aviance, which employs about 4,500 staff across the UK, undertook an in-depth review of its market position after September 11 in a bid to look at the best ways to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
The spokesman added: "We will commence the process of consultation with our staff, our customers and the airport authorities to finalise a plan for our orderly withdrawal."
But he went on: "This course of action, by its very nature, will impact on jobs at both Cardiff and Glasgow airports, but the company will continue to work closely with the unions and employees to minimise the impact where possible."
Aviance - which provides staff at airports across the UK to work in check-in and boarding operations as well as baggage sorting and loading - currently employs 195 staff at Glasgow airport and 45 at Cardiff.
The company said it had no plans to shut down any of its other operations, which remain in Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dublin and across England.
Unions said the announcement had dealt a "devastating blow" to the sector.
T&G regional industrial organiser Donald Munro said the union would do all it could to maximise job security and protect "an essential service for the public".
He added: "Our main concern is for the workforce."