Romanian carrier AnimaWings seeks insolvency after grounding its A220 fleet

AnimaWings has applied for insolvency at the commercial court in Bucharest, the Romanian carrier said, citing continuing technical trouble with its fleet and unusually costly fuel.

All six of its Airbus A220-300s are out of service, the airline said, leaving two Airbus A320s to fly its schedule. The disruption and the resulting financial strain used up its cash reserves, which is why it is now seeking restructuring.

AnimaWings said it intends to keep flying a reduced timetable, but warned that some flights may be cancelled over the next few days. Passengers will be told what is happening with their bookings, according to the airline.

Chief executive Marius Pandel called the move a hard decision that was nonetheless needed to safeguard the company's future. He said repeated problems with the fleet set off broader operational difficulties, made worse by the wider economic climate.

The airline did not say what the technical faults on the A220s are, and it gave no date for when those aircraft might fly again.

AnimaWings is a Romanian operator. Its filing places the question of its future in the hands of the Bucharest court, which will weigh the restructuring request while the carrier continues its trimmed flying programme.