DutchBird grounded. More EXEL developments.

http://www.luchtvaartnieuws.nl/news/?ID=6693

The planes of DutchBird will stay grounded for the forseeable time. This measure has been taken because DutchBirds owner, the EXEL aviation group, has not put in enough money the last few weeks.

This morning (21/12) two flights to Egypt and Gambia where cancelled. The passengers where rebooked onto Transavia and Martinair.

Recently Dutchbirds co-owner Harm P. was arrested for extortion, money laundering and falsifying documents. De Vlieger (main shareholder of the EXEL group) refused then to take responsability for Dutchbird, because legally the company is owned by Harm P.

It remains unclear whether DutchBird will fly during the busy christmas period. Harm P. has been released from jail, and has again taken up his role as chairman. De Vlieger however does not want to do business with him.

The company council also wants a new chairman.

In the meantime travel agencies are trying to arrange alternate fligths for their passengers. They are legally bound to do so, but many flights around the christmas period are already full.

Air Exel in the meantime seems to escape bankruptcy. Airline Denim Air from Eindhoven had asked the court to declare Air Exel bankrupt following piling debts. However, Denim Air decided to wait requesting bankruptcy.

The publicity around DutchBird made more suppliers nervous, Air Exel told. The company contacted a few suppliers and made new arrangement.