Eastern Airways on Brink of Collapse: Jobs at Risk
Eastern Airways, a prominent regional airline in the UK, has announced a suspension of operations, threatening hundreds of jobs. Here’s what you need to know about this developing situation:
– Company Overview: Established in 1997, Eastern Airways has served various routes across the UK, Ireland, and Europe. The airline is based at Humberside Airport in North Lincolnshire and has played a vital role in connecting remote communities, particularly in northern Scotland.
– Current Status: On Monday, Eastern Airways filed a notice of intention to appoint an administrator after several flights were cancelled, including key routes from Teesside to Aberdeen. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has confirmed that all Eastern Airways flights have been officially cancelled.
– Legal Protection: The notice to appoint administrators allows the airline a temporary legal shield from creditors for up to 10 days, enabling it to explore restructuring options or prepare for insolvency proceedings.
– Flight Cancellations: Notable cancelled flights include:
– 07:00 GMT from Newquay to London Gatwick
– 18:15 from Teesside to Aberdeen
– 14:30 from Aberdeen to Wick
– 16:45 from Aberdeen to Teesside
– Advice for Passengers: Selina Chadha, CAA’s consumer and markets director, has advised passengers not to head to the airport due to cancellation of all flights. Those with existing bookings should seek alternative travel arrangements, which may include rail, coach, or other airlines.
– Support for Customers: To assist stranded passengers, rail operators such as London North Eastern Railway and Scotrail are providing free standard class travel on select routes. Additionally, Loganair is offering special airfares for flights between Aberdeen and Kirkwall or Sumburgh until 30 October.
– Financial Challenges: Eastern Airways has struggled financially since the Covid pandemic, with a significant drop in passenger numbers impacting its operations. Prior to this crisis, the airline was a key player in the North Sea offshore oil and gas transport sector.
As this situation unfolds, Eastern Airways is under pressure to find a rescue solution to avoid a complete collapse. Passengers and employees alike hope for a swift resolution to what is a challenging chapter for this regional airline.