flyBAIR (Bern) has raised over CHF1.1 million francs (USD1.1 million) in its crowdfunding campaign, exceeding its goal by over CHF100,000.

The Swiss start-up virtual carrier announced via its Facebook website that it reached the goal of CHF1 million (USD1 million) in raised capital on November 29, two days before the deadline. It later said on its website that the total amount raised by the end of November increased to over CHF1.1 million (USD1.1 million). The crowdfunded amount includes CHF250,000 (USD250,000) contributed by the operator of Bern airport, where the airline is supposed to be based.

flyBAIR estimated its total capital needs at CHF2.5 million (USD2.5 million) for the first two years before it reaches profitability. It will seek to raise the remaining CHF1.4 million (USD1.4 million) from other sources.

The airline plans to start flying from Berne in May 2020 using an E190 wet-leased from German Airways (ZQ, Cologne/Bonn) and operated using business charter specialist Lions Air Skymedia's Air Operator's Certificate (AOC). It will focus on serving leisure destinations in southern Europe directly from the Swiss capital.