Monday, August 10, 2015

SAS reconsiders Boeing 717 replacements for Blue1 subsidiary

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS)—which announced plans in December 2014 to “reboot” its Blue1 subsidiary by replacing its nine Boeing 717s with 737-600s from its mainline fleet—is now rethinking the plan.

SAS had also planned to transform Blue1 to a role as a wet-lease operator for the parent company, operating lower-capacity routes and providing backup for SAS’s mainline operations.

“SAS is currently phasing out Blue1’s fleet of Boeing 717, which will simplify the company’s operations and fleet further,” SAS corporate communications manager Cathrine Sandegren said. “We are reviewing various options to replace this capacity and will return as soon as more information is available.” She gave no further details.

Finland-based Blue1 is one of the very few European airlines using the 717. A year ago, Blue1 had nine 717s—four have already been sold to Spanish budget carrier Volotea, with a further two due to join them this fall. The remaining three aircraft are understood to be moving to Delta Air Lines.

(Alan Dron - ATWOnline News)

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