Brindabella Airlines suspends operations on 14-Dec-2013

Brindabella Airlines announced (14-Dec-2013) the suspension of all services from 14-Dec-2013 after being ordered to carry out maintenance inspections on six of its 10 Jetstream J41s by Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) on 13-Dec-2013. The carrier advised it will not be accepting further reservations and all services have been cancelled until further notice. Meanwhile, KordaMentha announced (15-Dec-2013) David Winterbottom and Sebastian Hams have been appointment as receivers and managers of Brindabella Airlines following the carrier's decision to end passenger's services. The group under receivership includes five companies; Brindabella Airlines Pty Ltd, Aeropelican Air Services Pty Ltd, M/V Purchasing Company Pty Ltd, Business Air Holdings Pty Ltd and Trand Holdings Pty Ltd. Mr Winterbottom stated that Brindabella Airlines would no longer accept bookings and all further flights will be suspended indefinitely. Mr Winterbottom expects the receivers would be calling for immediate expressions of interest in the sale of the carrier and its assets. The carrier has 140 employees and a fleet of five Metroliners and seven Jetstream 41s. Meanwhile, Commonwealth Bank of Australia reportedly has a fixed charge over the carrier's assets according to The Age. As previously reported by CAPA, Qantas revoked its codeshare agreement with the carrier after Brindebella's J41 fleet was grounded for maintenance inspections following a routine audit by CASA. Transport for NSW said, "[The CASA] action is likely to have significant impact on the airline's schedule on licensed routes." [more - original PR - Suspension] [more - original PR - Maintenance Review] [more - original PR - KordaMentha]