Category Archives: Air Iceland

Airlines and airline brands we lost in 2017

Note – Our list also includes name changes and ownership changes.

Adria Swizterland (Darwin Airline) – Ceased operations on November 28, 2017 and was declared to be insolvent on December 12, 2017 and was liquidated.

Copyright Photo Above: Adria Switzerland SAAB 2000 HB-IYD (msn 059) (Etihad Regional colors) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 939524.

Aeropostal (Alas de Venezuela) – The long-time airline of Venezuela ceased all operations on September 24, 2017 due to the on-going financial situation in the country.

Above Copyright Photo: Aeropostal (Venezuela) McDonnell Douglas DC-9-51 YV137T (msn 47771) CCS (Orlando Jose Suarez). Image: 905671.

Air Carnival – The short-lived Indian carrier shut its doors and ceased operations with its single ATR 72-500 on April 5, 2017.

Above Photo: Air Carnival (India) ATR 72-212A (ATR 72-500) M-IBAI (VT-CMA) (msn 767) (Air Carnival). Image: 940401.

Air Costa – The Indian airline suspended operations on February 28, 2017.

Photo Above: Air Costa.

Air India Regional – Reverted back to its original name of Alliance Air in March 2017. The airline continues operations under the Alliance Air (Air India) brand.

Above Copyright Photo: Air India Regional ATR 72-212A (ATR 72-600) F-WWEZ (VT-AIT) (msn 1226) TLS (Olivier Gregoire). Image: (26253.

Airberlin (Air Berlin) – AB filed for insolvency on August 15, 2017 and ceased all operations on October 27, 2017 after Etihad Airways announced it would no longer financially support the carrier. AB was the second largest scheduled passenger airline in Germany.

Above Copyright Photo: Airberlin (airberlin.com) Airbus A330-322 D-AERQ (msn 127) JFK (Ken Petersen). Image: 900466.

Belair (Airberlin) – Belair, like Airberlin, shut down and ceased all operations on October 28, 2017.

Above Copyright Photo: Airberlin (airberlin.com) (Belair Airlines) Airbus A321-211 WL HB-JOV (msn 6629) BSL (Paul Bannwarth). Image: 938111.

Bluebird Cargo – Became Bluebird Nordic in 2017 as a brand and name change only.

Above Copyright Photo: Bluebird Cargo Boeing 737-36E (F) TF-BBF (msn 25264) CDG (Christian Volpati). Image: 913697.

Borajet Airlines – Suspended operations on April 24, 2017. The carrier has hopes to return in 2018 but its aircraft were seized.

Above Copyright Photo: Borajet Airlines Embraer ERJ 190-200LR (ERJ 195) TC-YAU (msn 19000088) ZRH (Andi Hiltl). Image: 935050.

Eastern Air Lines (2nd) – The second version using the famous name had its AOC cancelled. The last revenue flight was operated on September 14, 2017 although one Boeing 737-800 (N277EA) operated by Swift Air still carries Eastern titles.

Above Copyright Photo: Eastern Air Lines (2nd) Boeing 737-8AL WL N276EA (msn 35070) MIA (Jay Selman). Image: 403415.

Etihad Regional (Darwin Airline) – Became Adria Swizterland in July 2017 when Etihad Airways withdrew its financial support.

Above Copyright Photo: Etihad Regional-Darwin Airline ATR 72-212A (ATR 72-500) HB-ACB (msn 662) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 922532.

Florida West International Airways (2nd) – The AOC was cancelled. Operations ended on February 28, 2017 as parent Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings decided to consolidate operations under the ATI banner.

Above Copyright Photo: Florida West International Airways (2nd) Boeing 767-346F ER N422LA (msn 35818) MIA (Brian McDonough). Image: 905972.

Flugfelag Islands – Air Iceland – Became Air Iceland Connect on May 24, 2017 (name change).

Above Copyright Photo: Flugfelag Islands-Air Iceland de Havilland Canada DHC-8-202 Dash 8 (Q200) TF-JMK (msn 446) AEY (Wingnut). Image: 925729.

Flybe (Loganair) – The two airlines cancelled their agreement and Loganair reverted back to its own Loganair brand on August 31, 2017. On September 1, 2017 Loganair signed a code share agreement with British Airways.

Above Copyright Photo: Flybe-Loganair de Havilland Canada DHC-6-300 Twin Otter G-BVVK (msn 666) BRR (Robbie Shaw). Image: 907742.

GLO AIrlines – Filed for Chapter 11 reorganization on April 24, 2017 and ceased operations on July 15, 2017.

Above Copyright Photo: GLO Airlines (flyGLO.com) (Corporate Flight Management) SAAB 340B N9CJ (msn 224) LIT (Jason Hamm). Image: 938894.

InselAir (Aruba) – InselAir Aruba was declared bankrupt on July 7, 2017 after ceasing operations on June 7, 2017. However InselAir (Curacao) reorganized and downsized and continues to operate in the ABC Islands.

Above Copyright Photo: InselAir (Aruba) McDonnell Douglas DC-9-83 (MD-83) P4-MDI (msn 49847) MIA (Bruce Drum). Image: 104316.

Island Air – The long-time inter-island airline in Hawaii shut down operations on November 10, 2017. The assets are being sold to Hawaiian Airlines for its ‘Ohana by Hawaiian division.

Above Copyright Photo: Island Air (Hawaii) Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400) N682WP (msn 4546) HNL (Ivan K. Nishimura). Image: 939613.

Kan Air – The regional carrier in Thailand suspended operations on April 21, 2017.

Photo Above: Kan Air.

LGW (Luftfahrtgesellschaft Walter) (Airberlin) – As part of the Airberlin Group, LGW also ceased operations on October 27, 2017. However it has now been purchased by the Lufthansa Group and will continue to operate as a company under the Eurowings brand.

Above Copyright Photo: Airberlin (airberlin.com) (LGW) Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400) D-ABQB (msn 4226) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 928479.

Mega Maldives Airlines – The airline suspended operations on May 2, 2017. It hopes to restructure.

Above Copyright Photo: Mega Maldives Airlines (Mega Global Air) (Travel Service Airlines) Boeing 737-86N SSWL OK-TVT (msn 39394) HKG (Javier Rodriguez). Image: 935872.

Monarch Airlines – The long-time British carrier shut down all operations on October 2, 2017.

Above Copyright Photo: Monarch Airlines Boeing 737-82R WL TC-AAY (G-ZBAV) (msn 40874) BHX (Ian Bowley). Image: 937834.

Naft Airlines – Became Karun Airlines in September 2017 (name change).

Above Copyright Photo: Naft Airlines Fokker F.28 Mk. 0100 EP-MIS (msn 11503) DXB (Paul Denton). Image: 940409.

Niki Luftfahrt (flyniki) – As part of the Airberlin Group, the Austrian carrier suspended operations on December 13, 2017. However the airline has been acquired by the IAG and will be operating again under Vueling.

Above Copyright Photo: Niki Luftfahrt (flyNiki.com) Embraer ERJ 190-100LR OE-IXG (msn 19000435) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 921621.

Starbow Airlines – Suspended operations on November 25, 2017 after the ATR 72-500 accident. The airline hopes to restore operations.

Above Copyright Photo: Starbow Airlines BAe 146-300 9G-SBB (msn E3123) SEN (Keith Burton). Image: 908647.

Thomas Cook Airlines (Belgium) – Operated its last flight on October 27, 2017.

Above Copyright Photo: Thomas Cook Airlines (Belgium) Airbus A320-214 OO-TCH (msn 1929) AMS (Tony Storck). Image: 935351.

Thomson Airways – Officially became TUI Airways (UK) on October 1, 2017 (name change).

Above Copyright Photo: Thomson Airways Boeing 737-8K5 SSWL G-FDZW (msn 37254) TFS (Paul Bannwarth). Image: 927490.

Tigerair (Singapore) – The Tigerair of Singapore was merged into Scoot on July 25, 2017.

Above Copyright Photo: Tigerair (Singapore) Airbus A320-232 WL 9V-TRL (msn 5721) PEN (Rob Finlayson). Image: 925825.

VECA Airlines – Suspended operations on January 16, 2017.

Above Copyright Photo: VECA Airlines Airbus A319-132 N1821V (msn 2383) SJO (Andres Meneses). Image: 929694.

VIM Airlines (VIM Avia) – Suspended all operations on October 15, 2017. The AOC was cancelled on November 4, 2017.

Above Copyright Photo: VIM Airlines (VIM Avia) Boeing 777-2H6 ER VP-BVA (msn 28413) DME (OSDU). Image: 933003.

Welcome Air – The last revenue flight was operated on December 26, 2017.

Above Copyright Photo: Welcome Air Dornier 328-110 OE-GBB (msn 3078) CFU (Antony J. Best). Image: 928724.

Yangtze River Express – Became Suparna Airlines on July 7, 2017 (name change).

Above Copyright Photo: Yangtze River Express Boeing 747-481 (BCF) B-2432 (msn 28283) ANC (Michael B. Ing). Image: 928002.

Yemenia (Yemen Airways) – The flag carrier of war-weary Yemen suspended operations on November 6, 2017 due to the on-going civil war and military air strikes. The carrier hopes to operate some flights in the future, war conditions permitting.

Above Copyright Photo: Yemenia (Yemen Airways) Airbus A330-243 7O-ADT (msn 632) FRA (Pascal Simon). Image: 904599.

Air Iceland becomes Air Iceland Connect

Air Iceland, as of May 24, 2017, has a new name: Air Iceland Connect.

The airline continued;

There are a number of reasons for the new name, including our increased activity in foreign markets, a significant increase in foreign tourists, increased co-operation with Icelandair and to simplify marketing, as the company’s dual name system has meant a significant increase in costs and has caused some passengers inconvenience and led to misunderstandings.

“We have used the name Air Iceland for years, but by adding the word Connect, we are showing our connection to Icelandic nature and destinations, connecting with our foreign destinations such as Greenland, Scotland and Northern Ireland and distinguishing ourselves slightly from Icelandair. This is a global, descriptive name, and we are convinced that it will create a strong airline brand in the international aviation market,” says Árni Gunnarsson, Managing Director of Air Iceland Connect.

“The company has been working on these changes for some time, renewing the fleet, increasing co-operation with Icelandair, receiving more and more foreign tourists and defining our market policy even better. It is the next logical step to do away with this dual naming system and introduce one descriptive and global brand,” says Árni.

The name change will, of course, take some time, and the domain www.flugfelag.is will remain active but will forward the user to the company website at www.airicelandconnect.com

In addition to a complete renewal of Air Iceland Connect’s fleet, in which Fokker airplanes were replaced by new and better Bombardier Q400 and Q200 airplanes, the company has in the last few months scheduled flights between Akureyri and Keflavík, increased flights to Greenland and Scotland and from 1 June, a new destination will be added, Belfast in Northern Ireland.

Above Copyright Photo: Flugfelag Islands-Air Iceland de Havilland Canada DHC-8-202 Dash 8 TF-JMK (msn 446) AEY (Wingnut). Image: 925729.

Route Map:

Air Iceland to become a new Bombardier Q400 operator

Air Iceland (Reykjavik) has purchased three Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400) aircraft. The total investment will increase the total assets of Icelandair Group by $25 million USD when the estimated sales price of the Air Iceland’s five Fokker 50 aircraft has been taken into account. The aircraft year of manufacture is 2000 and 2001 and they will be delivered to Air Iceland in July and August this year. On delivery the aircraft will go through an implementation process for Air Iceland’s route network but the first aircraft is expected to be used in the route network in December 2015. The investment will be financed with cash from Icelandair Group.

Air Iceland operates from Reykjavík Airport in the heart of the country’s capital, with destinations around Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Greenland.

The airline was formed in 1997, when Icelandair Domestic merged with Flugfélag Nordurlands; the airline traces its roots back to 1937.

Air Iceland offers flights to four destinations within Iceland. With its flights from Reykjavík to Akureyri, Egilsstadir and Ísafjördur it covers all the major towns in Iceland, as well as a number of the smaller settlements through a general sales agent agreement with Norlandair, a Twin Otter operator in Akureyri. Air Iceland offers flights to four destinations in Greenland, with year-round routes to Kulusuk and Nuuk, the capital of Greenland.

Photo Above: Air Iceland. Air Iceland operates in very rugged terrain.

In the summer, Air Iceland offer flights to Narsarsuaq, Ilulissat and, in cooperation with Norlandair, to Nerlerit Inaat. In cooperation with Atlantic Airways Air Iceland offers flights between Iceland and the Faroe Islands all year round. The fleet of aircraft consists of five Fokker 50 and two Bombardier DHC-8-200 Dash 8 aircraft.

Top Photo: Air Iceland. Air Iceland already operates the Bombardier DHC-8-200. A busy ramp at Ilulissat, Greenland.

Photo Below: Air Iceland. A DHC-8-200 landing in Isafjordur.

Route Map:

Air Iceland aircraft slide show:

Videos:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npGToNpHmOM&w=560&h=315%5D

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fv_c6vA8DXE&w=560&h=315%5D

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DW34jPhnwzw&w=560&h=315%5D

Icelandair to operate two Boeing 767-300s, Air Iceland to become a new Bombardier Q400 operator

Icelandair Group (Icelandair and Air Iceland) (Reykjavik) has announced Icelandair will operate two Boeing 767-300s. The Group has also announced plans to replace Air Iceland’s aging Fokker 50 fleet with newer Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400) aircraft. The Group issued this statement:

The Board of Directors of Icelandair Group has decided to update the fleet policies of the subsidiaries Icelandair and Air Iceland.

All five Fokker 50 aircraft that Air Iceland operates will be sold and three Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 will replace it. After that Air Iceland will operate five aircraft, three Bombardier Q400 and two Q200. The Q400 aircraft can seat 74 passengers while the Fokker 50 takes 50 passengers.

The airline’s operations will be simplified and optimised as number of aircraft decrease and synergies will increase as all aircraft will be from the same manufacturer. As the Q400 is faster and has a longer range,

Air Iceland Route Map: Air Iceland flies domestically in Iceland and adjacently to Greenland.

Air Iceland sees opportunities in new markets. The company will be better equipped to service the domestic market as the aircraft are larger and travel time will be shorter. The airline aims to increase the number of foreign tourists on board its aircraft going forward.

In 2015 Icelandair will operate 23 Boeing 757-200 that take 183 passengers and one 757-300 that takes 220 passengers. The company owns 22 of those aircraft and leases two that will be redelivered this autumn.

Above Copyright Photo: Boeing 757-208 TF-FIN (msn 28989) taxies at London (Heathrow). LHR is a likely place where the larger Boeing 767-300 would be utilized along with New York (JFK).

It has been decided that they will be replaced with two Boeing 767-300 aircraft that take 260 passengers that will be added to the route network as of the spring of 2016. Larger aircraft are more feasible due to high load factors on many routes all year round and limited number of landing slots on certain airports. The increase of the fleet in the last few years has made it more economical to have more than one size of aircraft in the fleet. The Boeing 767 aircraft is similar to the 757 in terms of maintenance and crew training and the airline has experience in operating that type.

Above Copyright Photo: Daniel White – Bruce Drum Collection. Icelandair is very familiar with the Boeing 767-300 as subsidiary Loftleidir Icelandic has been a past operator of the type. Boeing 767-3Y0 ER TF-FIA (msn 24953) taxies at Sanford (SFB).

Icelandair Group’s subsidiary, Loftleidir Icelandic, has operated 767 aircraft in leasing projects that have been maintained by Icelandair. The aircraft has longer range than the 757 which will create new opportunities for the route network.

It has not been decided whether the new aircraft will be purchased or leased.

Bjorgolfur Johannsson, President and CEO of Icelandair Group: “Operating one type of aircraft has been very economical for Icelandair but when the route network and the fleet reaches a certain size it becomes more feasible to have a broader range of aircraft in the fleet. High load factors all year round and limited number of landing slots on certain airports also support this decision. In terms of Air Iceland a simpler and more economical fleet will make the operations better as crew training will be simpler.

We foresee further growth opportunities in the coming years with these changes to the fleet policy for passenger aircraft. Both the Boeing 767 and Q400 aircraft can service markets that the current fleet cannot, which will enable us to go into new markets and connect them to the current route network.”

Top Copyright Photo: Wingnut/AirlinersGallery.com. The five Fokker F.27 Mk. 050s (Fokker 50s) will be sold. Flugfelag Islands-Air Iceland Fokker F.27 Mk. 050 TF-JMO (msn 20205) lands at the Reykjavik (RKV) base.

Air Iceland aircraft slide show:

Icelandair aircraft slide show:

Air Iceland video:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuUrnkBZOMU&w=560&h=315%5D

Air Iceland to add its sixth destination in Greenland next summer

Air Iceland (Flugfelag Islands) (Reykjavik) next summer will add its sixth destination in neighboring Greenland according Airline Route. The subsidiary of the Icelandair Group plans to offer service to Kangerlussuaq starting on July 1, 2013. The new service will operate until September 1 with daily service on the Reykjavik (RKV) – Ilulissat – Kangerlussuaq – Reykjavik route with the pictured Bombardier DHC-8 turboprop aircraft.

Copyright Photo: Marcel Drescher/www.AviationTrade.com. Bombardier DHC-8-106 TF-JMB (msn 337) is pictured at Akureyri, Iceland.

Video:

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fv_c6vA8DXE&w=560&h=315%5D

Route Map:

Please click on the map for the full-size view.

Air Iceland’s DHC-8-106 TF-JMB runs off the runway at Nuuk

Flugfelag Islands’ (Air Iceland) (Reykjavik) Bombardier DHC-8-106 TF-JMB (msn 337) (correction) ran off the runway yesterday (March 4) while landing at Nuuk, Greenland after a flight from Keflavik, Iceland. The 31 passengers and three crew members were able to escape the aircraft unhurt.

View photos of the damaged aircraft from Karamba.com: CLICK HERE

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Category Archives: Air Iceland

Airlines and airline brands we lost in 2017

Air Iceland becomes Air Iceland Connect

Air Iceland to become a new Bombardier Q400 operator

Icelandair to operate two Boeing 767-300s, Air Iceland to become a new Bombardier Q400 operator

Air Iceland to add its sixth destination in Greenland next summer

Air Iceland’s DHC-8-106 TF-JMB runs off the runway at Nuuk