http://www.telegraaf.nl/binnenland/10831334/__Stekker_uit_Amsterdam_Airlines__.html?p=1,1
SCHIPHOL – It’s over for Amsterdam Airlines. Another Dutch airline has gone under. It is believed financial difficulties are the main cause. There are also indications that the airline could no longer comply with legal safety requirements.
The Inspectie Verkeer en Waterstaat (IVW – Dutch Aviation Autority) confirmed yesterday night to “De Telegraaf” that all operational licenses have been suspended effective immediately. “Amsterdam Airlines has informed us of their intention to stop all activities”, says a IVW spokesperson. The airline was already under a elevated level of supervision and had been given a deadline to get their act together by today.
The board of Amsterdam Airlines could not be reached for comment. It is believed that loosing a few large accounts led to growing debt problems. But there’s also indications of “a shady flow of money to Turkey”. One of the largest financers of the airline is based in Turkey.
The employees where informed yesterday that the airline would be grounded. They have all been fired, and are not getting their last paycheck. Two out of three planes have been impounded by the leasecompany because Amsterdam Airlines failed to pay the bills.
According to Luchtvaartnieuws the IVW has granted Amsterdam Airlines three months to restart, on condition that all financial and safety rules are met. If they fail to meet that deadline the flight license will be cancelled.
Amsterdam Airlines mostly flew charter flights for third party tour operators. They also had contracts to fly soldiers from Scandinavia to Afghanistan.
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November 2, 2011 at 9:31 pm