THE UK regional airline Eastern Airways has officially gone into administration.
Last week, the regional airline made 330 staff redundant after the airline filed a notice of intention to appoint an administrator on October 27.
Having launched in 1997, Eastern Airways was one of the UK’s remaining regional airlines, with services across England and Scotland and in the past, even offered flights to Europe.
Jamie Miller, partner at RSM UK and joint administrator, said: “It is extremely sad that such a long established and historically successful independent airline, one of the few remaining in the UK, has had to enter administration.
“The unexpected and sudden termination of Eastern’s KLM contract, along with other economic factors, unfortunately left the directors with no choice but to appoint administrators.”
RSM explained that Eastern Airways was operating four aircraft for KLM Cityhopper in Europe.
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However, when the contract was terminated it meant that Eastern experienced “high fixed overheads and a staff base that has ultimately proved too high to be sustainable”.
Miller added: “At its peak, Eastern was an award-winning airline providing 200 flights per day.
“Its passengers included Queen Elizabeth and other members of the Royal Family, as well as Prime Ministers, Premier League Football Clubs and Formula 1 Teams and management.
“They also provided valuable services on public service obligation (PSO) routes and supported energy critical services to the oil and gas sector.”
Regional routes across the UK included Wick and Aberdeen in Scotland, and then Humberside, Teesside International, London Gatwick and Newquay.
But the airline also used to fly to Gibraltar and Paris Orly in France.
Miller said: “We would welcome any interest from potential alternative operators, or those who may have an interest in the underlying assets.”
For the 12 months to March 2024, Eastern Airways reported a net loss of £19.7million, which was £4.8million higher than 2023.
This meant that the company’s total debt rose to £25.97million.
At the time of the announcement, Selina Chadha, consumer & markets director at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “We urge passengers planning to fly with this airline not to go to the airport as all Eastern Airways flights are cancelled.
“Eastern Airways customers should visit the Civil Aviation Authority’s website for the latest information.”
Eastern Airways isn’t the only airline that went bust this year.
In September, Play Airlines announced that it would be ceasing operations with all flights cancelled.
The airline flew to a number of different European destinations including London Stansted, Amsterdam, Paris and Faro.
And last year, Spirit Airlines – a US low-cost carrier – also filed for bankruptcy.
What to do if youwere due to fly with Eastern Airways
LISA Minot, Head of Travel at The Sun, shares her advice…
Passengers stranded by the collapse of Eastern Airways have several options depending on their circumstances.
If you still need to fly, you’ll need to find – and pay – for an alternative flight with another airline.
Many airlines offer rescue fares when competitors go bust, offering lower prices for those who can prove they were due to fly with the airline that has failed.
Or if you can get the train, London and North Eastern Railway (LNER), ScotRail, TransPennine Express (TPE), and Northern Railway are offering free Standard Class travel to Eastern Airways staff and customers on Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 October, on suitable routes operated by each train company.
For those without scheduled airline failure insurance, you will sadly be left out of pocket.
If you are due to fly with Eastern Airways in the coming days, weeks or months, you should put a claim in straight away with your debit or credit card provider.
They should refund you without fuss.
For those who are due to fly with Eastern Airways as part of a package holiday they have bought from a travel agent or tour operator, your package holiday provider is obliged to find an alternative way for you to reach your destination or offer you a full refund.
The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority has the latest information on its website, caa.co.uk
In other air travel news, a major airline with bunk beds onboard reveals plans to relaunch UK flights for the first time in five years.
Plus, airlines are now banning Bluetooth earbuds from going in checked luggage.
