Braathens streamlines its fleet

In connection with the expiration of the company's long-term commercial agreement regarding Airbus production, a market review has been conducted to ensure that the fleet strategy is in line with future market needs and creates long-term profitable growth. To better meet customer demand, the Board of Directors has decided on a direction that focuses on a growing single-type fleet of the ATR72-600 turboprop aircraft and a gradual phase-out of Airbus. The decision will make Braathens a pure ACMI provider in the turboprop segment on the European aviation market. 

The strategic direction is partly driven by the upcoming expiration of agreements with tour operators, as well as the fact that the company’s current Airbus aircraft are no longer considered optimally configured to meet the needs of both tour operating customers and traditional airlines with single fleets. Braathens therefore recognizes the need to adapt its fleet over the long term to better align with market demands. 

An increasing number of airlines are investing in single-type fleets to achieve greater efficiency and economies of scale, while the need for flexible capacity continues to grow. ACMI solutions are attractive because they enable airlines to quickly adapt fleets to meet changing needs. Turboprop aircraft play a key role as they are both energy- and climate efficient, making them ideal for evaluating new routes, handling seasonal variations, and providing more frequent departures on routes where smaller capacities are preferred. For Braathens, this means that demand is primarily focused on the ATR72-600, while the current Airbus fleet does not meet market needs in a commercially sustainable manner. 

- Our transformation began last year. We believe that the Airbus operation will not achieve economies of scale, and with tour operators reducing their capacity, we do not see conditions for long-term profitable operations. We have a great responsibility toward our employees, customers, passengers, and shareholders to offer the market the type of aircraft capacity that is truly in demand. By aligning our fleet with market needs, we can deliver ACMI solutions that are genuinely in demand, while at the same time building a more streamlined business with strong growth potential, says Per G. Braathen, Chairman of the Board and owner of Braathens.  

The company's long-term commercial agreement regarding Airbus production is set to expire by the end of December 2026. In total, seven aircraft will be affected and gradually phased out by 2027. In line with the new fleet strategy, the company intends, as far as possible, to offer affected personnel the possibility to continue serving on, or in connection with, the ATR72-600. Dialogue with relevant trade unions has been initiated. We also continue to develop the business with the aim of increasing efficiency, reducing costs and strengthening our workplace as a developing environment. 

- It is of course with sadness that we are phasing Airbus out of our fleet, but we must focus on the market segment where we have the best conditions to develop the company in the long term. We hope that as many affected employees as possible will choose and be able to remain with the company. Our goal is to continue building an attractive and sustainable workplace that offers strong opportunities for long-term development for both our people and our operations. As we move forward with this transition, we will concentrate on areas where we are best positioned to grow, enhance our competitiveness, and create new opportunities – for both the company and our employees, says Malin Brandtvig, CEO of Braathens.