Under the proposed deal, Brussels Airlines will fly the majority of Thomas Cook’s Belgian customers. The plan will see all 160 pilots and cabin crew, plus two aircraft and all flight slots transfer to Brussels Airlines.

Another three aircraft will be rostered elsewhere within the Thomas Cook group and 40 ground staff made redundant, something likely to provoke union opposition.

The plan is for changes to take place from November. The two carriers have worked together for the past 15 years and Thomas Cook said the merger would result in more departure days and an expanded number of flights, plus the opportunity to offer more long-haul destinations.

Jan Dekeyser, managing director of Thomas Cook Belgium, said the deal would mean “20% more flights to some of the most popular sun and beach destinations”, Flanders News reports.

He added: “Our extended partnership is consistent with Thomas Cook Group’s strategy as we develop closer relationships with selected third parties to work with us to support profitable growth.”

Bernard Gustin, Brussels Airlines’ chief executive said: “On completion, Brussels Airlines will double its sun and beach destinations to 51 with the addition of Cape Verde, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Egypt as brand new destinations on the flight schedule.”