Air Berlin – Sick airline

The insolvent German carrier Air Berlin was forced to cancel 100 flights last Tuesday (12 September) as 200 pilots called in sick, the airline admitting that this was much higher than usual. On the next day 32 services were not operated, due to sickness again.

Air Berlin is in preliminary bankruptcy proceedings and continues to operate only through an EU-approved €150m loan. The airline’s chief executive Thomas Winkelmann said that the action of some pilots is like “playing with fire”.  (see  BTN  11 September)

Prospective suitors had until last Friday to make binding bids.  “The lively interest from investors speaks well for Air Berlin,” said Mr Winkelmann, as the carrier announced “several” bids had arrived before the deadline. 

A creditors' committee is hoping to make a decision on successful bids on 21 September.

www.airberlin.com

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