The world’s last operator of the British Aerospace ATP in passenger service, NextJet, has suspended operations and filed for bankruptcy.
NextJet is a Swedish regional airline operating a fleet of ATP and Saab 340 aircraft, with many public service routes providing a vital link to the country’s remote communities.
Last summer the airline narrowly avoided collapsing when shareholders provided the funds to keep going. However, it seems that now the financial situation has taken over and the airline is no longer able to continue.
CEO Magnus Ivarsson said “We have done everything in our power to find a solution, but unfortunately, we did not succeed,” adding “What’s happening now is that a liquidator will be appointed who will then decide on the future of the companies.”
In 2011 I made a trip to Sweden to fly on one of the airline’s four BAe ATP aircraft which even then were the last examples being flown in passenger service.
You can read my report and see pictures from the trip here: Flying the ATP – A Trip to Sweden
The future of this British turboprop is now uncertain, as is that of the airline.
