IAG chief executive Willie Walsh expects further European airline bankruptcies in 2019 amid "stubbornly" high fuel prices and competitive pressures in what is likely to be a "tough" year for the sector. Walsh predicts that "there will be some M&A [merger and acquisition] activity" but adds: "When we talk about consolidation in Europe, do talk about it in the context of airlines disappearing as well. Unlike 20 years ago, I think, when an airline disappears it's rare to see that airline replaced."
He notes: "It's not always the case, but a lot of the capacity is now provided by airlines already in operation, which leaves very little space for somebody to try to come in and start up." Ryanair chief commercial officer David O'Brien agreed. He says he expects a number of airline failures in the next six months in Europe, including, possibly, some "sizeable" carriers.


Source: FlightGlobal

Nordica has made this dramatic announcement that will retire the Nordica brand:
Nordica and LOT have signed a renewed cooperation agreement under which LOT will take over the management of ticket sales and customer service and Nordica will focus solely operating flights. As a result of the reorganization, five unprofitable routes will be suspended from the end of October until an improvement in the competitive situation is seen. Flights will continue from Tallinn to Stockholm, Brussels and Warsaw, which will be serviced by LOT from the July 1, 2019.

Source: World Airline News

An investigation is under way into a fatal collision involving of a pair of German air force Eurofighter combat aircraft near Rostock on 24 June. The two jets were part of a formation of three single-seat Eurofighters from the Luftwaffe's 73 Squadron, which had taken off for a training flight from their base at Rostock airport, close to the Baltic Sea. One of the pilots died during the accident, while the other – an instructor – was rescued alive, the Bundeswehr says. Both pilots operated the ejection seat following a "contact" between the two aircraft, around 20min into the flight, the Bundeswehr says. The pilot of the third aircraft involved in the mission observed two parachutes descending to the ground. The Bundeswehr has launched an investigation into the cause of the accident.

Source: FlightGlobal