Fly Lili suspends all Passenger Routes
Fly Lili Suspends All Routes, Including Flights to Germany
Romanian airline Fly Lili has announced the suspension of all its scheduled routes, impacting services to German cities such as Munich, Nuremberg, and Stuttgart.The decision is attributed to low passenger demand and rising operational costs, with load factors reportedly averaging around 30%.
Operational Challenges and Route Suspensions
Fly Lili commenced operations in mid-2024, offering flights from Brașov-Ghimbav International Airport to various destinations, including Munich, Stuttgart, and Nuremberg. However, the airline faced operational challenges, including delays in aircraft registration and certification, leading to flight cancellations and schedule adjustments.
The airline's CEO, Jürgen Faff, cited low passenger numbers and increasing operational costs as reasons for the suspension, stating that the airline was incurring monthly losses of approximately €1.5 million
Shift to Wet-Lease and Charter Operations
In response to these challenges, Fly Lili plans to pivot its business model towards wet-lease operations and charter flights. This strategic shift aims to ensure the sustainability of the airline's operations in the long term.
Impact on Passengers and Future Plans
Passengers affected by the route suspensions are expected to receive refunds for their tickets.The airline has also implemented higher ticket prices for flights scheduled after January 11, 2025, to deter new bookings and minimize the number of passengers impacted by cancellations.
Fly Lili's fleet comprises two Airbus A319 and two A320 aircraft.The airline's future operations will focus on providing aircraft and crew to other airlines through wet-lease agreements, as well as offering charter services. citeturn0fetch0
This development underscores the challenges faced by new entrants in the aviation industry, particularly in maintaining sustainable operations amid fluctuating demand and operational hurdles.