Will Focus On Charter And Freight Ops

Welsh regional carrier Air Wales announced last week it will stop flying scheduled passenger flights next month, in order to focus its efforts on charter flights and freight hauling.

The airline, based at Cardiff International Airport in South Wales, flew routes to destinations in Scotland, France, Ireland, and Britain. Up to 80 jobs are expected to be cut due to the transition.

Air Wales representatives blamed the move on "spiralling costs" and "aggressive competition" from larger, more established low-cost carriers. In a statement, Air Wales said it was becoming "increasingly impossible for independent regional airlines such as Air Wales to operate profitably without substantial subsidy".

Last month, Air Wales re-launched service between Cardiff and Brussels, Belgium -- with help from the Welsh government assembly. An official with the government told the BBC, however, the money was awarded to Cardiff airport -- not the airline -- just in case such an event occurred.

The company is holding discussions with other carriers about taking over the airline's current routes, including the Brussels run.

Air Wales chairman Roy Thomas said the airline arrived at its decision to stop service "with sadness and regret".

"Increased costs and high competition in the market place have made it virtually impossible to exist as a passenger focused airline," he said. "Without the vast economies of scale required to sustain and successfully compete in the passenger airline business today, it has become clear that Air Wales now needs to center on charter and freight services to continue operating in the airline industry."

Founded in 1997, Air Wales flew its first route in 2000. The airline operates a fleet of five ATR-42 turboprops (above). 

FMI: www.airwales.com