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File on 4: Crash Landing - The demise of Thomas Cook

22/10/2019

Crash Landing - The demise of Thomas Cook

BBC Radio 4 - File on 4, Crash Landing - The demise of Thomas Cook

File on 4 charts the rise and fall of travel firm Thomas Cook.

File on 4 uncovers how Thomas Cook’s bosses loaded the company with debt, and were unable to change course.

To its thousands of employees left unemployed or 150,000 holiday makers stranded overseas, the collapse of Britain’s oldest travel firm came as a bitter, unexpected shock. 
File on 4 takes a forensic look at the demise of the 178-year-old company, revealing how it came about, the warning signs that were ignored and why a last, desperate attempt at a bail-out came too late. Speaking to Thomas Cook insiders, the programme uncovers how senior executives made millions while loading the company with debt, and were unable or unwilling to change course. It also follows the progress of some of those pilots, cabin crew and shop staff who lost their jobs as they pick up the pieces and try to find their way back into the workplace.

Reporter: Howard Mustoe
Producers: Dan Box, Alys Harte and Luke Denne
Editor: Carl Johnston

Photo credit; Hassenstein, Alexander\Getty Images

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