Finnair's chief executive, Jukka Hienonen, has resigned in the face of continuing losses and criticised the slow pace of reform at the carrier.
The airline has posted first-half results today which show an operating loss of nearly €57 million ($82 million) for the six-month period.
Hienonen has been at the helm of the airline for four years, but says: "I am not satisfied with the results achieved. The rate of change has been insufficient."
He states that a "clear change of course" is required at the airline, which has been trying to improve its financial position by overhauling its business model.
"Many structures, as well as the company's culture, have been formed in totally different conditions," says Hienonen.
"With these we cannot do well in the present competitive environment, but changing them has proved to be extremely difficult. Some personnel organisations have shown no willingness to adapt."
Finnair's strategy is "good and effective", he says, and it can be used as a platform to "build future success".
But he warns: "It will require a lot of work and also a completely different way of thinking in terms of working conditions."
Finnair has not named a successor to Hienonen, who has a six-month notice period and remains in his role for the time being.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
