flybe. (2002) (Exeter) says it has returned two ATR42s, previously in operation with flybe. Nordic (Helsinki Vantaa), to its lessors as part of plans to curb mounting losses at the Finnish carrier.
The British carrier says it will pursue further talks with partner Finnair (AY, Helsinki Vantaa) to help find ways of improving the carrier's financial performance which last year registered a loss of GBP7.3million (USD12.38million) against that of GBP11.1million (USD18.83million) recorded the year before.
"Notwithstanding the challenges on scheduled flying, the continuing transformation of Flybe Finland towards being a profitable, self-financed, sustainable business for the future bodes well towards meeting Flybe’s stated strategic objective of white label expansion in Europe," the carrier said.
Formed in 2011 as a 60/40 joint venture between Flybe and Finnair, the airline took over the domestic Finnish and regional operations of its predecessor - Finncomm Airlines (Helsinki Vantaa) - and now operates a fleet of 27 aircraft including an ATR42, twelve ATR72s, two E170s, and twelve E190s.
