Viking Airlines to Reduce Operation due to Holiday Company Failure

Holiday carrier Viking Airlines is to cut back its fleet after one of its tour operator customers, UK-based Flight Options, ceased trading.

The carrier was established in Sweden in 2003 but has branched into operating out of several UK airports including London Gatwick and Manchester.

It uses a fleet of several Boeing 737 aircraft, including -800s, from various lessors.

But the carrier states that, as a consequence of Flight Options' going into administration, it is to cut three aircraft "immediately" from its fleet.

"Regrettably this will result in some job losses, mainly in the UK," says the airline. Flight Options was linked to the Kiss Flights brand.Viking insists, however that it is "financially healthy", posting a full-year net profit of €3.8 million ($4.9 million) for 2009, and will continue operating from the UK.

Read the FULL STORY HERE