Around 430 jobs are under threat at Thomas Cook after it announced plans to reduce its UK fleet from 35 to 31 aircraft.
The move will impact operational staff, engineers and office-based support.
"Regrettably these proposals, if implemented, will have an inevitable impact on our people and we have today entered a period of consultation with our employees, with the expectation that approximately 430 roles will be impacted," said Thomas Cook in a statement yesterday.
"As always in such situations we will work openly with our colleagues and their representatives to support them throughout the process."
The operator is reviewing its flying arrangements and recently announced a partnership with easyJet.
Christoph Debus, group head of air travel, said: "This is a very difficult decision, but necessary to deliver a successful transformation and build a sustainable business for the future, which will continue to offer opportunities for the 2700 people employed with us after these proposed changes."
The operator plans to return four planes to the lessors at the end of their lease term to cut costs.
One has already left, one will leave at the end of this month and another two in March.
Thomas Cook has recently announced a series of cost cutting measures in a bid to turn its business around.
It announced in June that it was closing its Bradford centre, putting 468 jobs at risk (see earlier story).
by Bev Fearis
