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Thomas Cook Nordic arm takes off again

Thomas Cook’s Scandinavian operations have resumed service despite the failure of its UK-based parent company.

Flights operated by the Nordic arm were grounded for only a day after the collapse of Thomas Cook Group.

The resumption of services by Thomas Cook Scandinavian Airlines came after the business secured a Norwegian bank loan pending the search for a buyer.

The deal followed German airline subsidiary Condor reaching agreement for a $380 million state bridging loan to keep flying.

Its German tour operating division is also looking for backing for a rescue.


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The German subsidiary believes its brands have a future and is in negotiations with investors and hotel operators to continue in business.

Thomas Cook GmbH said it had been forced to seek insolvency to extricate itself from its (UK) parent company’s “financial tie-ups and related liabilities”.

Frankfurt-based Thomas Cook Germany employs around 2,000 staff and has several brands, including Neckermann, Öger Tours, Air Marin and Bucher Reisen.

But Thomas Cook operations in Belgium, the Netherlands and Poland have ceased trading with almost 30,000 holidaymakers overseas.

The Scandinavian carrier was forced to ground its fleet of 11 Airbus aircraft for a day in the wake of the parent company’s liquidation.

However, flights operated by Thomas Cook Airlines Scandinavia  took off again on Tuesday, according to Thomas Cook subsidiary Ving in Norway and Sweden.

Other Scandinavian subsidiaries of the Thomas Cook Group – including Tjaereborg, Globetrotter and Spies – were also to continue operations.

Customers in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden were expected to be able to fly again to and from holiday destinations.

Magnus Wikner, chief executive of Thomas Cook Northern Europe, said: “Since we are independent and profitable parts of the group, we have been able to continue operations with support from our banks, creditors and guarantors.

“Even though I’m sad about the bankruptcy of the Thomas Cook Group and all its employees and loyal customers in many countries, my responsibility lies here in the Nordic countries.”

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