Romania's TAROM (RO, Bucharest Henri Coanda) has reported significant losses of RON104 million (USD26.6 million) for 1H17, leading the country's prime minister to order a probe into the national carrier's finances. In response, Tarom's General Manager, Eugen Davidoiu, has resigned, reports MediaFax.

Speaking on television channel Antena 3, Prime Minister Mihai Tudose said that Tarom had suffered a 'historical' loss. "We need to do something about it because it's a national company, it's a national symbol and it won't be closed down or sold… It needs to become profitable and it needs to develop," he said.

Davidoiu was appointed to the role of general manager in February and has said that an audit will not uncover any irregularities during his short tenure. He added that the airline's financial position was starting to improve.

Tudose will now order the Prime Minister's Control Body to investigate the management of the airline over the past eight years. Tarom has not posted a profit since 2007.