Urva said that Nordica hasn't received the €30 million promised by the state because its precondition is that first, the contract with the partner company LOT needs to be concluded. "Our supervisory board has approved the precontract, we are hoping that during this week, the approval of the Polish side will also come," Urva said.

Minister of Finance Martin Helme said at the government press conference that Nordica will receive an extra €1.7 million from LOT in addition to Regional Jet. Urva hasn't wished to comment on that sum.

In August, the European Commission gave the Estonian government permission to support Nordica with €30 million to help the airline cope with difficulties deriving from the coronavirus crisis. Now, the question finally reached the government's agenda. €22 million will be paid in as Nordica's share capital and €8 million will be granted as a loan. If the contract with LOT is concluded, Nordica can start loan negotiations with KredEx.

Urva emphasized that the loan is only meant for covering the damage caused by the coronavirus crisis. At the same time, he expressed hope that flights will be restored next year and the economic situation will improve. Nordica will continue with the business plan, which was the basis of the European Commission's permission.

"We are ready to start flights from Tallinn. But this is a complicated question because now the occupancy of the flights is 30 percent and the number of passengers has decreased by 90 percent compared to last year. So, currently, flying would mean burning money and with a bright flame," Urva admitted.

He added that 70 percent is the seat occupancy rate required to keep the company afloat.

"So we won't start with the flights now and will wait until spring. The critical question is if the vaccines will come and whether they will work and will be accessible for the people. If yes, then I predict that flying will be restored quickly. People want to fly but at the moment they´re afraid."

Regarding plans for Regional Jet once the partnership is acquired, Urva named restoring the previous volume of flights as the first goal.

"What will happen in the longe term is a question for the owner. I personally don't see why a country should own a company that primarily operates with outsourced flights. But it is reasonable to sell the state's participation when the markets have recovered and the value of the company is rebuilt. Currently, there is no market for airplanes because they are predominantly grounded that puts their worth on par with scrap metal."

Urvas sees great potential in Regional Jet after the crisis because the company has small airplanes. He brought an example that when bigger companies' smaller flights have 180 seats and the occupancy is 30 percent, it is financially more reasonable to fly with Regional Jet's 90-seat planes.

Speaking about the future of aviation more broadly, he pointed out airBaltic that received €250 million and has managed to "burn through" €180 million within half a year.

"This winter will be a moment of clarity for a lot of people because companies, that have received billions are complaining that the money is running out. But the European Union has sent a message that there won't be a second wave of aid. It is an unprecedented time for both airline companies and tourism companies."

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