ERNEST AIRLINE WAS DECLARED BANKRUPT

The bankruptcy of airlines amid the pandemic is no longer surprising. According to experts, small companies that sell tickets at lower prices have more chances to become insolvent. Italian Ernest Airlines Company, which operated flights from Italy to Ukraine, became one of them last Monday.

A Milan judge declared the carrier insolvent on November 23, although the flights were actually terminated on January 11, 2020. The Italian aviation authorities imposed sanctions on the flights of Ernest Airlines at the beginning of this year, having suspended the validity of permits. It was stated that such measures were not related to the safety problems of the flights.

The company was sanctioned by the regulator because of its lack of punctuality.

This was the result of numerous scandals associated with regular delays in the departure and arrival of aircraft.

Ernest Airlines was the leading carrier among the airlines operating flights between Italy and Ukraine. As soon as flights were suspended, SkyUp got the right to operate flights instead of Ernest Airlines in Ukraine, and in Italy - carriers Wizz Air and Ryanair.

At the height of the pandemic in the summer 2020, the company announced that it planned to change its business model and switch to ATR 72 aircraft - more comfortable than the previously used Airbus A320.

Considering that air traffic between Ukraine and Italy was fully restored, the authorities allowed the air carrier to fly between the countries during the New Year holidays due to the increased load. However, as experts note, now it will hardly be possible.

It is unknown, whether Ernest Airlines will appeal the decision in the court of Milan. The company's creditors are allowed to file claims against the low-cost airline by April 19 next year. A month later, a court session is to be held, at which the fate of the company will be finally determined.