Partner of flyWhoosh pulls out of deal to operate Dundee flights
08.12.07
Fears have been raised in Dundee over the future of flyWhoosh airlines after the company's partner had pulled out of the deal-leaving them without a plane. Although flyWhoosh operate the flights from Dundee to Belfast and Birmingham Airport, they lease the plane and crew from Polish company White Eagle Aviation. However, the Warsaw based company removed their ATR42 from Dundee Airport on Friday and announced they would no longer run flights in and out of the city 'for commercial reasons'.
White Eagle's decision came after days of disruption and cancellations for Dundee passengers booked on flights to and from Belfast and Birmingham. A spokesperson for White Eagle in Warsaw confirmed they had 'suspended' the flights, adding: 'we have informed our partners in the UK that we would be discontinuing the service and asked them to inform passengers.'
However, flyWhoosh chief executive Aden Murcutt said the situation is 'nowhere near as bad as the rumours that have been circulating' and guaranteed flights would be running as normal from next Monday (December 17). He said that a new partner had been found to supply a plane, but would not reveal who this was, only saying that ' it is a Swiss company with a great reputation.'
He confirmed the airline is still accepting bookings through their website and added all passengers affected by the recent disruption had been offered a refund, alternative transport, or a plane ticket for another airline.
The flyWhoosh flights have been vital in boosting passenger numbers travelling through Dundee Airport since they began in May. They have meant for the first time in almost five years Dundee has had more than one scheduled air service, with ScotAirways already flying to London City Airport.
A spokesperson for Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL), who recently took over the running of Dundee Airport, said:"We have been advised by flyWhoosh that it intends to have a replacement aircraft operating from Dundee from December 17. Given the disruption to passengers we are pressing the airline for a speedy resolution.'
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