note
Founded as charter airline, Air Berlin restructured into scheduled low cost operator. Although Air Berlin grew out of company founded in 1978 and incorporated in the USA, operations of Air Berlin GmbH did not start until 1992 after Germany re-unification and lifting of flight restriction that prohibited German based airline to operate out of Berlin.
Airline started operations with two Boeing 737 aircraft. In 2004 Air Berlin bought Austria based low-cost carrier FlyNiki. Air Berlin retained FlyNiki brand and both airlines coordinate schedules. In 2006 Air Berlin went public. In March 2007 Air Berlin bought 49% stake in Swiss charter operator Belair.
In August 2007, Air Berlin purchased Dusseldorf based charter airline LTU. With it came fleet of long-haul Airbus A330s. Air Berlin has become global player and second largest airline in Germany.
Air Berlin employed just over 8,000 people and carried over 28 million passengers in 2008.
In 2016 airline lost €782m. Etihad invested additional €250m in April 2017 but Air Berlin continued to loose money largely due to its high labor costs. Etihad decided not to invest additional money. On Aug 15 2017 Air Berlin filled for administration. The German government has provided an emergency €150m loan to enable the airline to wind down gracefully after the summer peak season.
Last revenue flight was flown on October 28th 2017 when Air Berlin 6210 from Munich landed at Berlin Tegel.
Out of cca 8,000 employees about 3,000 will transfer to Lufthansa's Eurowings division.
founded - demised (age)
1990 - October 28 2017 (27)
headquarters
Saatwinkler Damm 42-43, D-13627 Berlin, Berlin
web
base airports
related operators
current /stored fleet (0)
