B&H Airlines leases ATR72

B&H resumes flights

B&H Airlines will resume services today after almost three weeks. The airline has agreed on a 72 hour wetlease of an ATR72-200 from the Spanish based Helitt Lineas Aereas. Since the two sides have agreed on a wetlease, all onboard cabin crew will be from the Spanish airline. The aircraft arrived from Malaga to Sarajevo yesterday. The agreement allows for the wetlease to be extended beyond Sunday if required. B&H Airlines has barely operated any flights this April after its only ATR72 in operation was grounded due to technical problems. Its other ATR72 has been in Germany for months and unable to return due to unpaid maintenance work on the aircraft.

The grounded ATR from Germany is expected to arrive in Sarajevo during next week after the Federation government approved funds for the maintenance costs to be paid. The decision was made official during the week allowing for the payments to take place. Following the arrival of the ATR from Germany, the wetleased turboprop is to be returned to the Spanish airline.

B&H Airlines has been struggling with problems throughout the year. Last month the airline was grounded due to outstanding payments on its aircraft lease, while this month technical problems caused headaches for the carrier. The airline originally planned to launch flights to Skopje on April 1. The service was later pushed back to May 1 before being completely cancelled. B&H Airlines is facing strong competition with Wizz Air recently announcing the launch of its flights from Tuzla to Malmo, Gothenburg and Basel. There are growing rumours of the low cost airline’s intent to launch flights from Sarajevo this summer as well. Furthermore, B&H faces fierce competition on its signature route to Istanbul with both Turkish Airlines and Pegasus vying for the same passengers.