Scandinavia’s SAS Group estimates that its decision to axe its Bombardier Q400 fleet will cost the company SKr300-400 million ($47-63 million) over the remaining part of this year.
The company is withdrawing its entire fleet of Q400 aircraft, from both the Scandinavian Airlines and Wideroe fleets, after it suffered a third accident involving the type in less than two months.
SAS Group is reorganising its fleet to account for the capacity shortfall and the early cost estimate accounts for this as well as the generally lower demand following the start of the winter schedule.
“It is based on revenue loss, fixed cost and negative feeder effects and comes in addition to effects communicated earlier,” says the company.
“SAS Group is in dialogue with Bombardier regarding possible solutions regarding the current situation for the Q400 fleet including compensation.”
Scandinavian Airlines Q400s suffered gear-collapse accidents at Aalborg and Vilnius on 9 and 12 September, which prompted SAS to ground the fleet for modification.
Although the Q400s were returned to service earlier this month a third Scandinavian Airlines aircraft was involved in a gear-up landing at Copenhagen two days ago.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
