10/19/2010: Hamburg International Ceases Operations

Today in 2010, German charter carrier Hamburg International (4R) suspended operations and filed for insolvency in Hamburg. Contemporary reporting by Aviation Week, published on October 20, placed both events the previous day.

Founded in 1998, the airline flew for tour operators and also offered executive and corporate charters. Its 2006 fleet announcement, preserved by Library and Archives Canada, described a business serving European holiday routes and other international charter markets.

A Chilean Joint Venture

The carrier also sought work during Europe's quieter winter season. In December 2000, Managing Director Norbert Grella told Die Welt that Hamburg Chile Airlines had been established as a joint venture. Hamburg International held 49%, with two Chilean industrialists owning the remaining 51%.

The plan was to send a Boeing 737-700 to Chile for three months to carry vacationers from Santiago to the Caribbean and Brazil. Grella said the arrangement would improve aircraft utilization during the European winter.

Switching to Airbus

On February 13, 2006, Hamburg International announced an order for 14 Airbus A319s, with six more on option. The contract had been signed in December 2005. Ten aircraft were intended to replace the existing single-aisle fleet, with seating for up to 150 passengers in one class.

The airline presented its first A319 in a new color scheme in January 2008, beginning the transition from Boeing aircraft.

Insolvency and Replacement Flights

In October 2010, the company said its search for investment had not been completed quickly enough. Lawyer Sven-Holger Undritz was appointed provisional insolvency administrator. The airline's final fleet comprised eight A319s and one Boeing 737, according to airliners.de.

TUI said it had rebooked affected passengers, while Thomas Cook said replacement airlines would cover its remaining departures through the end of the summer season. Aircraft were parked at several airports awaiting return to their lessors.

Germany's aviation authority subsequently suspended the airline's operating license and air operator certificate, effective at the end of October 20, because it could no longer demonstrate the required financial capacity.

Featured image: The introduction of the Airbus A319 in January 2008 also coincided with the introduction of an updated livery.