Darwin Airlines to expand fleet in 2013, 'cautiously optimistic' about 2013

Darwin Airlines CCO Christian Schneider said the carrier plans to expand its fleet with the addition of eight 50-seat Saab 2000 aircraft, and said the carrier is a candidate to operate Rome-Bolzano sector, previously operated by Air Alps, following the publishing of a official tender for the route. In an interview with aerotelegraph.com, he said the carrier is "confident that we will meet all the requirements of the tender and, furthermore, can show more advantages". Mr Schneider also noted "Italy is our most important market after the home market Switzerland". He noted: "Pescara is in addition to other airports an attractive option for our growth in Italy. We have very good contacts with the Pescara Airport". On the financial situation for the carrier in 2012, Mr Schneider said: "It's no secret that 2012 was a tough year for all airlines. However, we have responded quickly to the crisis and mid-2012 initiated a restructuring". On the outlook for 2013, he said: "We are cautiously optimistic. The first two months show us that we introduced the right measures. We are satisfied".