Darwin Airline (Lugano) CEO Maurizio Merlo says his airline will finalize its fleet renewal plans by the end of the year with equity partner, Etihad Airways (EY, Abu Dhabi International), expected to play a pivotal role.

In an interview with AINOnline Merlo said that while the Saab 2000 had proven to be a perfect fit for the airline's needs, the fact that it was no longer in production meant sourcing additional aircraft would prove very difficult. As a result, a new type would have to be considered.

A possible solution could lie in the ATR42 and 72, though Darwin will have to determine whether or not the aircraft are viable long term options. At present, Darwin, also known as Etihad Regional, operates four ATR72-500s and also wet-leases a fifth aircraft from Avanti Air (ATV, Paderborn/Lippstadt).

Fellow Swiss operator, SkyWork Airlines (Bern), is facing a similar dilemma with CEO Martin Inäbnit having recently alluded to the Saab 2000's suitability as a replacement for its fleet of five Do328-100s.