As part of an unprecedented and hugely ambitious expansion plan, Icelandic cargo airline Bluebird Nordic, a member of the Avia Solutions Group, a leading global aerospace services group, has declared its intentions to add 25 Boeing 737-800 freighter aircraft to the company’s existing fleet by the end of 2024.
Currently operating a fleet of one Boeing 737-300 and seven Boeing 737-400 full freighter aircraft, the new acquisition will see the fleet size grow to thirty-three aircraft, more than tripling its capacity in the process.
The first Boeing 737-800, which will be delivered by Avia Solutions Group sister company, AviaAM leasing – a global provider of tailored aircraft leasing and trading services – will join the fleet in September 2021, followed by a second in October 2021.
In the interim period while Bluebird Nordic await aircraft conversion and delivery, and as evidence of the existing synergy between companies, the aircraft will be utilized by Avion Express – the leading narrow-body ACMI charter operator and an integral part of the Avia Solutions Group of companies – for passenger flights during the busy summer season, offering extra capacity and highly competitive prices.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
