MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Gibraltar-Madrid air-bridge in doubt after Spanish airline suspends flights

Conflicting versions about Andalus airlines real problems

The future of the air bridge between Gibraltar and Madrid was in doubt following Ándalus Líneas Aéreas suspension last week of all flights in the face of unpaid debts running into hundreds of thousands of dollars.

GE Capital Aviation Services [GECAS], an Ireland-based company involved in aircraft leasing and financing, leased two planes to Ándalus last June but claimed it had not been paid since November.

GECAS told the Gibraltar Chronicle that it was owed just over 611,552.71 US dollars by Ándalus. After issuing warnings to the Spanish company, GECAS moved to terminate the leases and insurance in early March due to the failure of Ándalus to settle the payment defaults.

“Despite the Notices of Termination the Lessee has refused to ground or return the aircraft and continues to operate them without legal title,” a spokesman for GECAS told the Chronicle. He added that “because of the refusal of the Lessee to return the Aircraft, GECAS has taken legal action in Spain and in Gibraltar on March 10”.

In a statement issued to the Spanish media, the Spanish Andalus airline insisted the suspension of service was for technical reasons. It made no mention of any legal action by GECAS.

“The temporary suspension is due to unforeseen circumstances relating to the maintenance of the aircraft used on this route,” the Spanish company said. “The plane is currently in Casablanca and several components that need replacing are not currently available”.

“Ándalus apologises for any inconvenience to its clients as a result”.

The company said it would resume flights as from April 19, leaving passengers who had planned to travel to Madrid between now and then arrange alternative transport. Ándalus also stalled the start of a new service between San Sebastián and Madrid. The service was due to have launched last week but has been pushed back to mid April.