Igor Salinger / Belgrade
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| Slovenia's Adria hopes two 737-500s will help it return to profitability. |
Slovenian flag carrier Adria Airways has introduced two Boeing 737-500s on wet lease to help reverse losses. The airline has blamed what it calls “poor organisation” and an “unsuitable fleet” for the estimated c7 million ($9 million) net loss in 2005 (after several years of profitability), which put the airline on the verge of bankruptcy.
The two 737s joined Adria’s fleet last month – one on a six-month lease from Cirrus Airlines and the other a one-year lease from Ukraine International Airlines. The airline has placed one of its three ageing Airbus A320s, which had initially been offered for sale, on an 18- month lease to Libyan operator Afriqiyah.
It also operates seven Bombardier CRJ100/200s and is understood to be considering a deal for the larger CRJ900 model.
Adria’s chairman Iztok Malacic has been replaced by Tadej Tufek after being held responsible for the unsuccessful lease of Embraer Brasilia freighters from Aurora Airlines for cargo operations.
Adria’s departures increased by 11% during the first four months of the year and passenger numbers were up 15%. The airline is hopeful it will break even by year-end.
Source: Flight International
