what's happening at Azzurra?
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what's happening at Azzurra?
There seem to have been developments at Azzurra over last weekend, apparently to the extent of its very existance.
Apparently the magiority shareholder (Seven Group) is bust. Not good news anyway
Does anyone have the latest? Are Manchester ops. affected?
Apparently the magiority shareholder (Seven Group) is bust. Not good news anyway
Does anyone have the latest? Are Manchester ops. affected?
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DesignerChappie, The RJs where made idle after they terminated a contract with Alitalia last October:
Quote: <<<<<<Azzurra Avro RJs idled by end of Alitalia contract
The seven Avro RJs of Italian airline Azzurra Air have been largely idled by the termination of the contract to provide services for Alitalia. In a cost-cutting move, Alitalia cancelled services to Hamburg, Copenhagen, Porto, and Stockholm from Milano's Malpensa Airport, as of October 26, 2003 -- services that Azzurra had provided. The move leaves Azzurra's Avro RJs with only one scheduled service: to Rotterdam, served once daily in a code-share arrangement with VLM. Azzurra operates four Avro RJ70s and three RJ85s. [2003-10-28]>>>>>>
JMC-Man, are you sure the 737-700 were reposessed as they were due to be returned to lessor anyway in lieu of new A320s, two of which have been delivered?
LGW Vulture, Air Malta have been bailing out Azzurra for possibly too long now. Besides it is still a mystery to me if they still own their 49%, as it has been rumoured to have been sold, just last week!
Quote: <<<<<<Azzurra Avro RJs idled by end of Alitalia contract
The seven Avro RJs of Italian airline Azzurra Air have been largely idled by the termination of the contract to provide services for Alitalia. In a cost-cutting move, Alitalia cancelled services to Hamburg, Copenhagen, Porto, and Stockholm from Milano's Malpensa Airport, as of October 26, 2003 -- services that Azzurra had provided. The move leaves Azzurra's Avro RJs with only one scheduled service: to Rotterdam, served once daily in a code-share arrangement with VLM. Azzurra operates four Avro RJ70s and three RJ85s. [2003-10-28]>>>>>>
JMC-Man, are you sure the 737-700 were reposessed as they were due to be returned to lessor anyway in lieu of new A320s, two of which have been delivered?
LGW Vulture, Air Malta have been bailing out Azzurra for possibly too long now. Besides it is still a mystery to me if they still own their 49%, as it has been rumoured to have been sold, just last week!
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I wish not to hijack this thread but,
Isn't Azzura supposed to have bought Air Littoral and have failed to inject the promised capital in it ?
What happened there ?
Cheers
Isn't Azzura supposed to have bought Air Littoral and have failed to inject the promised capital in it ?
What happened there ?
Cheers
RobinZ, I don't think the two new A320s due to be delivered in lieu of the 737-700s have actually arrived. The leasing company has taken the 737-700s back early (apparently due to non-payment) and has cancelled the deal to lease them two A320s as replacements. This changeover was not due to take place until April/May.
A lot of Azzurra flights from the UK (especially to Lapland etc) have been replaced with other airlines because Azzurra now does not have the aircraft to operate. They have apparently told their charterers that they don't have the money to pay for the subcharter of a replacement aircraft from other airlines.
It does not look good......
A lot of Azzurra flights from the UK (especially to Lapland etc) have been replaced with other airlines because Azzurra now does not have the aircraft to operate. They have apparently told their charterers that they don't have the money to pay for the subcharter of a replacement aircraft from other airlines.
It does not look good......
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Shame if it's true. Flew with them during the summer - nice new shiny clean aircraft, pleasant cabin crew, on time departure & arrival both ways. Overall, gave a very good lasting impression and would have (had?) no hesitation in recommending them.
Perhaps it's only a rumour.............
Perhaps it's only a rumour.............
SLF question
The title of this thread caught my eye as I just got my tickets yesterday to fly with Azzura from Manchester to Finland for a ski holiday first week in January. Do I need to be worried at all? (Not about safety I should add but about the company being able to getting me there).
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Azzurra
Things are doing quite bad in ZS, as in most other Italian companies. To date (to answer Robin's question) KM still holds the 49% share holding. Problem is that KM seems to be facing some problems too !!
Lets hope that things get a turn for the better in Azzurra and littoral as there are hundreds of jobs at stake.
Lets hope that things get a turn for the better in Azzurra and littoral as there are hundreds of jobs at stake.
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Avroliner
We're all hoping that Azzurra makes it through to better times and out thoughts are with you.
Yes indeed, KM is now hitting bad times, partly (read mainly) due to the losses at Azzurra. Why they lost LM 6 million ($US15 million) last announced financial year (was that 2002?) has still not been explained or even quantified. This years losses ( pre grounding of RJ fleet) are expected to be even higher. Why? Let alone current financial situation.
Not only this, but KM has also millions in capital tied up in loan guaranties for ZS, as well as lease guaranties on all the RJs, now sold to a bank, idle or not.
Nobody can go on throwing money into a bottomless pit, moreover when reasons for such are not fully comprehensible.
Yes indeed, KM is now hitting bad times, partly (read mainly) due to the losses at Azzurra. Why they lost LM 6 million ($US15 million) last announced financial year (was that 2002?) has still not been explained or even quantified. This years losses ( pre grounding of RJ fleet) are expected to be even higher. Why? Let alone current financial situation.
Not only this, but KM has also millions in capital tied up in loan guaranties for ZS, as well as lease guaranties on all the RJs, now sold to a bank, idle or not.
Nobody can go on throwing money into a bottomless pit, moreover when reasons for such are not fully comprehensible.
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Well the last info I have is that KM is loosing loads of money due to pilfering!! Strange, no mention was made of ZS. Well it is obvious that the full truth is never made official so ZS could still be a factor. Yet I do have a feeling that ZS losses are KM's relief valve. After all ZS has been created by KM with such a scope !!
Marridx nohloq polemiki yet I think that we just know the tip of an iceberg and we are in the hands of politicians and heavyweights.
For info Azzurra employed 600 people operating 12 aircraft. Airmalta employes around 2000 people operating 13 aircraft !!!!
Marridx nohloq polemiki yet I think that we just know the tip of an iceberg and we are in the hands of politicians and heavyweights.
For info Azzurra employed 600 people operating 12 aircraft. Airmalta employes around 2000 people operating 13 aircraft !!!!
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I think you will find that Air Malta will be in dire straits when Malta joins the EU in May 2004. That will put an end to its monopoly in Malta. They are already busy trying to re-invent themselves as a low cost airline.
Just checked their website, and it has the following information: -
CG
Just checked their website, and it has the following information: -
Sale Of AZZURRAair S.P.A. Not Yet Concluded
Date: Monday, 15 December 2003
Ref: 086-2003
Air Malta refers to a number of media reports that have appeared over the last few days regarding the sale of AZZURRAair S.p.a to 7 Group p.l.c.
Air Malta wishes to confirm that it still currently holds a 49% shareholding in Azzurrair S.p.a.. Further details will be given when and if the sale of AZZURRAair S.p.a. to 7 Group p.l.c., is concluded.
Date: Monday, 15 December 2003
Ref: 086-2003
Air Malta refers to a number of media reports that have appeared over the last few days regarding the sale of AZZURRAair S.p.a to 7 Group p.l.c.
Air Malta wishes to confirm that it still currently holds a 49% shareholding in Azzurrair S.p.a.. Further details will be given when and if the sale of AZZURRAair S.p.a. to 7 Group p.l.c., is concluded.
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Avroliner
Twan, Air Malta has it's problems, that's for sure. Pilfering and over staffing are just two of them. However the 2000 staff you mention is the Group's total employes, including staff at 3 hotels and several other companies. Notwithstanding, it is overstaffed as you mention. Hopefully new stratagies will be put in place sooner rather than later.
There is a similar here rumour here that KM's losses are hidden into ZS's balance sheets. This is probably because ZS's losses are so inexplicable. However it is not so easy to play around with figures like such, in seperate companies and in different countries, so one has to be level headed.
This topic is not about KM's problems.....it has many, as we know; But about Azzurra's change in fortunes over the last couple of years. There is nothing I would like more, than see Azzurra prosper, however many questions are still unanswered.
Why has it been loosing so much dosh with just ACMI contracts and charter flights? How was Alitalia allowed to play dirty like that? Could something have been done earlier? What is being done now? Is there a plan? Why did the management step down? Who is now 'in command'? Indeed, who owns it? Is ZS still flying Air Littoral's routes? I heard today that ZS Italy stopped it's only remining route to Rotterdam.......why? Will Manchester ops be affected if ZS Italy goes down?
There is a similar here rumour here that KM's losses are hidden into ZS's balance sheets. This is probably because ZS's losses are so inexplicable. However it is not so easy to play around with figures like such, in seperate companies and in different countries, so one has to be level headed.
This topic is not about KM's problems.....it has many, as we know; But about Azzurra's change in fortunes over the last couple of years. There is nothing I would like more, than see Azzurra prosper, however many questions are still unanswered.
Why has it been loosing so much dosh with just ACMI contracts and charter flights? How was Alitalia allowed to play dirty like that? Could something have been done earlier? What is being done now? Is there a plan? Why did the management step down? Who is now 'in command'? Indeed, who owns it? Is ZS still flying Air Littoral's routes? I heard today that ZS Italy stopped it's only remining route to Rotterdam.......why? Will Manchester ops be affected if ZS Italy goes down?
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Robin
Azzurra has been losing money from its schedule operation and not from its charter flights. According to 'Airline Business' monthly magazine, Azzurra has been ranked the 30th largest charter carrier in the WORLD with annual growth of over 50% in revenue passenger kms (RPK).
I my opinion Air Malta should not sell Azzurra. After all 'Group 7' are in a worst financial situation. Air Malta should transfer some of its 320's to Malta and use them for our charter operation and low cost service to Stansted. Image-wise it will be suicide for Air Malta to use aircraft wearing the 'Air Malta brand' on the low cost schedule.
Sahha ghalikhom.
Azzurra has been losing money from its schedule operation and not from its charter flights. According to 'Airline Business' monthly magazine, Azzurra has been ranked the 30th largest charter carrier in the WORLD with annual growth of over 50% in revenue passenger kms (RPK).
I my opinion Air Malta should not sell Azzurra. After all 'Group 7' are in a worst financial situation. Air Malta should transfer some of its 320's to Malta and use them for our charter operation and low cost service to Stansted. Image-wise it will be suicide for Air Malta to use aircraft wearing the 'Air Malta brand' on the low cost schedule.
Sahha ghalikhom.
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Netset
I don't think KM should sell Azzurra either. Not with those balance sheets. It probably wouldn't even sell for a pound. I also agree that Azzurra should be made into KM's low cost carrier. However, (not sure if you insinuated it),I find that Air Malta's name is held in very good standing internationally, but it would be essential to de-identify any low cost operation. With proper management this company could then exploit niche markets within Europe.
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The tip of the iceberg
I want to give a first hand account of some facts. I have flown Airmalta, Alitalia, and many other companies. Few airlines stand up to Airmalta's standard. Fly alitalia's milan malta route.... So if KM is low cost AZ is super low cost!! Azzurra (Italy) service equals Airmalta, yet with a bit of a struggle (due to tough competition). In fact Azzurra changed from Air Chef(alitalia catering) to Ligabue due to better standards.
ZS is no low cost airline. Airline fares are no cheaper than any other carrier!! On the contrary, being able to fly to FLR, LCY and many other short field airports, fares were relatively high.
Azzurra's operation for Alitalia were KM's decision!! ZS lost money, no doubt, but it was following orders by KM. Yet as I said before this is all political staff. (Maybe a passaport for skyteam??)
In my opinion KM should hang on to ZS and open a Milan based company in May. Needless to say, KM will suffer if companies like Ryan air will start to operate from Malta. So, having had this base in Milan for 7 years I do not see why KM should let go now.
ZS needs experienced KM staff here for starters..... Ops and admin.
Quote " Why did the management step down? Who is now 'in command'? Indeed, who owns it? Is ZS still flying Air Littoral's routes? I heard today that ZS Italy stopped it's only remining route to Rotterdam.......why? Will Manchester ops be affected if ZS Italy goes down? " Unquote.
1. Chairman surely had good reasons for doing so. Maybe Group 7 planned to turn ZS into low cost, or he knew that promises made by G7 could not be honoured. G7 now owns 50.83% of the company.
2. Good question! Seems like G7 is in command due to larger share holding.
3. No ZS does not fly Littoral any more.... pity. (Promises made by G7 did not materialize). Calvi and Figari were operated by avro.
4. ZS currently has 2 737 both of which are grounded due tech. A320 crew are still doing training. Yet could be that RTM has been lost due to other reasons.
5. Another good one! Hope not!! Even though (nahseb) aircraft are on ZS AOC.
Yet I do not want to be pessimistic. Miracles do happen, and maybe this Christmass G7 could bring one this way.
ZS is no low cost airline. Airline fares are no cheaper than any other carrier!! On the contrary, being able to fly to FLR, LCY and many other short field airports, fares were relatively high.
Azzurra's operation for Alitalia were KM's decision!! ZS lost money, no doubt, but it was following orders by KM. Yet as I said before this is all political staff. (Maybe a passaport for skyteam??)
In my opinion KM should hang on to ZS and open a Milan based company in May. Needless to say, KM will suffer if companies like Ryan air will start to operate from Malta. So, having had this base in Milan for 7 years I do not see why KM should let go now.
ZS needs experienced KM staff here for starters..... Ops and admin.
Quote " Why did the management step down? Who is now 'in command'? Indeed, who owns it? Is ZS still flying Air Littoral's routes? I heard today that ZS Italy stopped it's only remining route to Rotterdam.......why? Will Manchester ops be affected if ZS Italy goes down? " Unquote.
1. Chairman surely had good reasons for doing so. Maybe Group 7 planned to turn ZS into low cost, or he knew that promises made by G7 could not be honoured. G7 now owns 50.83% of the company.
2. Good question! Seems like G7 is in command due to larger share holding.
3. No ZS does not fly Littoral any more.... pity. (Promises made by G7 did not materialize). Calvi and Figari were operated by avro.
4. ZS currently has 2 737 both of which are grounded due tech. A320 crew are still doing training. Yet could be that RTM has been lost due to other reasons.
5. Another good one! Hope not!! Even though (nahseb) aircraft are on ZS AOC.
Yet I do not want to be pessimistic. Miracles do happen, and maybe this Christmass G7 could bring one this way.