Tag Archives: Darwin Airline

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.

Darwin Airline is insolvent, will reorganize, but it is grounded

Darwin Airline (Lugano) has announced it will cease all scheduled operations. Instead the company will revert to being a charter airline. The ATR 72-500s (pictured) will be returned to the lessors.

In related news, the company has entered into reorganization proceedings after it was declared to be insolvent (bankrupt).

The airline had recently rebranded as Adria Switzerland in association with Adria Airways on September 16, 2017 but has encountered unfavorable market conditions.

Update: On November 28, 2017 the airline was grounded by Swiss authorities after its AOC was revoked due to financial concerns.

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

Adria Airways to add new service from Bern in the wake of the SkyWork closure (now cancelled)

Adria Airways has made this announcement:

After the announcement of expiry of SkyWork Airlines AG operating licence and cancellation of its flights from Bern (Berne), the Star Alliance carrier Adria Airways will establish flight connections from Bern starting on November 6, 2017.

Adria Airways will shortly station two aircraft in Bern and ensure continued connection between the Swiss capital and major European cities. Bern will thus continue to be connected to Berlin (TXL), Hamburg (HAM), Munich (MUC) and Vienna (VIE).

The planned flight schedule is as follows:

Update: Adria Airways cancelled plans for Bern service with the resumption of operations by SkyWork Airlines.

Copyright Photo: The new Bern flights will be operated by Adria Switzerland (Darwin Airline). Adria Switzerland SAAB 2000 HB-IYD (msn 059) (Etihad Regional colors) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 939608.

Etihad Airways’ 33.3% investment in Darwin Airline is approved

Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi) has now received approval from FOCA to acquire a 33.3 percent share of Darwin Airline (Lugano), now operating as Etihad Regional.

Etihad issued this statement:

Etihad Airways has received the approval from Switzerland’s Federal Office of Civil Aviation to take a 33.3 percent stake in Darwin Airline – a Swiss regional carrier.

Beginning January 2014, according to a brand partnership deal with Etihad Airways, Darwin Airline has operated as Etihad Regional.

FOCA’s approval of the investment now allows Etihad and Darwin to fully benefit from the partnership, including using codeshares on each other’s flights.

“Because of the time it took to secure this deal, and due to the fierce competition during this period, Etihad Regional has been obliged to withdraw or reduce services on numerous routes. They were launched based on the fact that they would benefit from the support of traffic running between our global network and our Etihad Regional European network,” said James Hogan, President and CEO of Etihad Airways.

Etihad Airways aircraft slide show:

Etihad Regional aircraft slide show:

Darwin Airline to drop four routes as it regroups

Darwin Airline (Etihad Regional) (Lugano) will drop routes from Zurich to Lugano and Linz and from Geneva to Toulouse and Nice. The four routes were unprofitable.

Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi) has restated its confidence in the regional carrier. Darwin is attempting to finalize its business relationship and investment by Etihad with the European regulatory authorities.

Copyright Photo: Paul Denton/AirlinersGallery.com. Darwin Airline SAAB 2000 HB-IZP (msn 031) in the Etihad Regional colors taxies at Geneva.

Etihad Regional aircraft slide show:

Video: The repainting of Darwin SAAB 2000 HB-IZP into Etihad Regional colors

A new airline alliance: Etihad Airways Partners is unveiled

Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi) today (October 8) unveiled Etihad Airways Partners, a new brand which brings together like-minded airlines to offer customers more choice through improved networks and schedules and enhanced frequent flyer benefits.

Initially, six airlines will participate in the new partnership – Airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Jet Airways, Darwin Airline (Etihad Regional), and Etihad Airways.

However, any airline can become an Etihad Airways Partner even if it is part of an existing alliance, such as Airberlin, which is a member of oneworld.

The key emphasis for Etihad Airways Partners is a strong commercial partnership and shared values.

James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said “We are broadening our business model to articulate and define a partner proposition for like-minded airlines which will result in synergies and efficiencies for participating airlines on the one side, and enhanced network choice, service and frequent flyer benefits for the consumer on the other.

“The Etihad Airways Partners logo is a seal of excellence and global cooperation. It will be displayed on aircraft and on branded materials by a group of airlines working together to connect travellers around the world, and increasingly to harmonise standards in the air and on the ground.”

Mr Hogan said Etihad Airways Partners differed from legacy airline alliances by offering benefits well beyond pure commercial cooperation.

“The potential for network alignment to maximise flight connectivity for passengers, together with a shared passion for superior service, are central to the ethos of the Etihad Airways Partner concept,” he said.

“Frequent flyers will benefit from the formation of Etihad Airways Partners as it will remove the complexity and confusion that exists within the global alliances.

“We’re aiming to deliver a consistent experience for frequent flyers when they travel, as well as a consistent framework for earning and using their miles.”

This will include standardised mileage and tier benefits across all partners, no blackout periods and priority services.

Etihad Airways Partners will also have access to economies of scale and operational synergies such as centers of excellence, shared sales teams in certain destinations, joint procurement of services and supplies, and shared pilot and cabin crew training at the Etihad Airways facilities in Abu Dhabi.

Above Photo: (Left to right): Maurizio Merlo, CEO Darwin Airline; Wolfgang Prock-Schauer, CEO airberlin; James Hogan, President and CEO Etihad Airways; Cramer Ball, CEO Jet Airways; Dane Kondić, CEO Air Serbia, Manoj Papa, CEO Air Seychelles; celebrate the launch of Etihad Airways Partners.

Etihad Airways:

Etihad Regional to add Brussels on March 29, 2015

Etihad Regional (Darwin Airline) (Lugano and Geneva) will add Brussels, Belgium on March 29 with two routes radiating to Dresden (three days a week) and Leipzig (four days a week). The new routes will be operated with ATR 72s.

Etihad Regional is the new European brand operated by Darwin Airline, the leading regional carrier of Switzerland. The airline is a full service carrier with a fleet of eight 50-seat SAAB 2000 turboprop aircrafts and four 68-seat ATRs 72-500s, operating to over 30 destinations in 9 European countries: Switzerland, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Serbia, Netherlands and UK. Besides serving a range of key secondary cities in Europe, Etihad Regional offers international destinations across the entire world through its future 33.3 per cent shareholding equity and codeshare partner, Etihad Airways.

Etihad Regional:

Current routes from Geneva:

Etihad Regional-Darwin Airline leases four ATR 72-500 aircraft to expand its fleet

Etihad Regional (operated by Darwin Airline) (Lugano and Geneva) has announced an agreement to lease four ATR 72-500 aircraft, which will see the carrier boost its regional fleet to 12 aircraft and support its rapidly expanding network.

All four aircraft will be delivered from March through June 2014. The airline currently operates a fleet of eight 50-seat SAAB 2000 turboprop aircraft.

Etihad Regional will configure each aircraft with 68 seats.

The lease of the aircraft was arranged by Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC), the world’s largest turboprop leasing company headquartered in Billund, Denmark.

Etihad Regional’s Maiden Flight Takes To The Skies – 23 Jan 2014 En

Darwin Airline adopted the new name and brand after Etihad Airways invested in the regional carrier with a one third share.

Etihad Regional’s first commercial flight, flight F7 154, took to the skies on January 23, 2014, with a newly branded 50-seat SAAB 2000 (HB-IZP) aircraft. The flight departed from the airline’s hub in Geneva, Switzerland and landed on schedule at Rome Fiumicino Airport in Italy.

The first Etihad Regional branded aircraft was unveiled at a launch event in Zurich on January 16, 2014, showcasing the airline’s new livery and brand new logo. All 10 aircraft in the Etihad Regional fleet will feature the new livery by the end of June 2014.

Copyright Photo: Rolf Wallner/AirlinersGallery.com. The pictured ATR 72-212A (ATR 72-500) HB-ACB (msn 662) was leased and delivered on March 13 and visited Zurich today in the new look.

Routes from Geneva (red lines are regular routes, blue are seasonal):

Etihad Regional SAAB 2000 HB-IZG nose wheel breaks on landing at Paris

Etihad Regional (Darwin Airline) (Lugano) SAAB 2000 HB-IZG was involved in a landing accident at Paris (Charles de Gaulle) on January 28. The aircraft was operating flight F7 250 from Leipzig with 16 passengers and three crew members. The nose gear was damaged on landing.

Read the full report from Express (with photo): CLICK HERE

Darwin Airline: