Thomas Cook merges European airline businesses

Thomas Cook has set out plans to merge its German, British and Belgian airline businesses, with a new airline management board overseeing the single outfit.

As part of the world's oldest travel group's turnaround plan, Thomas Cook Airlines UK will be merged with Condor, its German airline brand, and Thomas Cook Airlines Belgium. The management board will be jointly chaired by Christoph Debus, group head of air travel, and Ralf Teckentrup, Condor's chief executive.

"At a time when the airline industry is experiencing major change, we believe that our airline will be stronger as one integrated business," Mr Debus said.