SkyAlps Q400 Groundings in Italy May Last Several Months
SkyAlps (BQ, Bolzano/Bozen) expects the grounding of its DHC-8-Q400 fleet to continue for several months, following an audit by Italy’s Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) that uncovered several safety-related non-conformities. According to CEO Josef Gostner, the ongoing inspections and aircraft replacements have already cost the airline over EUR1 million (USD1.08 million), RaiNews reported.
Seven Q400s have been grounded, forcing the airline to wet-lease aircraft from various European operators to maintain scheduled flights. As of March 31, Flightradar24 ADS-B data confirms that only one Q400, registered 9H-PAUL (msn 4255), remains active in the SkyAlps fleet.
To fill the capacity gap, SkyAlps has turned to ACMI services from carriers including Avanti Air, Universal Air, Luxwing, Private Wings, Avion Express Malta, and Trade Air. The airline has also added two Boeing 737-800s from ETF Airways, one Airbus A320-200 from SundAir, one Do328-100 from MHS Aviation, and two ATR72-600s from AeroItalia.
An investigation is also underway, led by a prosecutor in Bolzano, with a particular focus on an external aircraft maintenance provider involved in the case.
Despite the disruptions, Gostner noted that the situation allows for a comprehensive inspection of all grounded aircraft across several European maintenance facilities. However, SkyAlps has not issued an official statement regarding the current status or timeline for returning the Q400s to service.
Related News: https://suspicious-zhukovsky.67-21-117-18.plesk.page/category/air-travel-business/airline-finance/
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com