Palmer: First Step Is Unloading Embraers
In an interview with the country's leading daily, Estonian Air executive Jan Palmer said step one in turning the airline around was cutting its fleet size.
Estonian Air is currently flying three Bombardier CRJ700 aircraft and four Embraer 700 models. The first goal is to get rid of two Embraers, Palmer told Postimees.
Instead of the three and two configuration, Palmer said, it would be ideal to fly five of the same type of aircraft, but that would be step two.
The company also has some Saab aircraft and one Boeing 737 that is not being used. Estonian Air has lots of historical baggage that must be cleared away, he said, adding that the internal deadline was summer.
The two Embraers could be wet-leased to other countries, Palmer said, a standard industry practice where Estonian Air would basically be a subcontractor for another airline. That would mean the pilots and crew of those Estonian Air aircraft would go with the planes to whatever airline they would be leased to.
Palmer said the pilots had been apprised of the situation and were amenable.