Thomas Cook's Belgian unit to extend ties with Brussels Airlines

The Belgian unit of Thomas Cook Airlines plans to transfer air crews, flight slots and two of its five aircraft to Brussels Airlines, in a move to extend a partnership with the Lufthansa-owned carrier, the companies said on Thursday. Thomas Cook has worked closely with Brussels Airlines for years, but the latest initiative follows a slide in customers and profits at Thomas Cook's Belgian travel unit after last year's attacks on Brussels airport. Thomas Cook, whose airline has units in other countries, said in a statement it had agreed to use Brussels Airlines for the majority of its Belgium business and would consider launching new long-haul destinations with the carrier. "The proposal builds upon a successful 15-year working relationship between Thomas Cook Belgium and Brussels Airlines," Thomas Cook said. Under the deal, Thomas Cook's Belgian unit would transfer 160 pilots and cabin crew, flight slots and two aircraft to Brussels Airlines, it said. The remaining three aircraft will be deployed across the Thomas Cook Group. A Brussels Airlines spokesman said the partnership would mean the carrier could fly to more leisure destinations.<br/>