Virgin Atlantic is planning to close its Flightstore consolidator, putting more than 40 jobs at risk.
The airline confirmed it is in consultation with staff about the proposal, which could see the flight consolidator’s business transfer to Chester-based Aviate.
Agents can already book numerous airline tickets, including the likes of Delta, part-owner of Virgin, and many Star Alliance members, using Aviate.
Until now, Virgin Atlantic has boasted that it was the only airline in the UK to have its own in-house consolidator, which also sells hotels, car hire and attraction tickets to the trade.
The airline said the decision was not related to staff performance but part of a plan to put the business back on track to “sustainable profitability”.
Flightstore had also struggled to compete with technology-driven outsourced rivals, the airline said.
Virgin Atlantic Flightstore is based in Gorleston, Norfolk, and employs 44 staff.
A Virgin Atlantic spokeswoman said: “We constantly review our business. As part of this we have reviewed the activities at Virgin Atlantic Flightstore and have proposed changes which may result in its closure.
“Unfortunately, this could directly impact some employees and we have entered into consultation with them.
“We would look to retain our people within Virgin Atlantic where possible and we are working closely with the team on options available to them. This change is not a reflection of the team’s performance but is driven by the need to operate more efficiently as a business to get back to sustainable profitability.”