AnimaWings is now formally in insolvency proceedings after the Bucharest Tribunal opened the case on 28 October, following a process that began with the Romanian carrier's first petition on 30 September. The airline has not operated a scheduled service since 2 October.
Getting to that point involved more than one attempt. As aviationbusinessnews and Aviation Week: air transport report, the tribunal turned down AnimaWings's initial insolvency application on 14 October. A fresh petition followed, and eight days after it was lodged the court granted it, handing down its decision on 28 October.
A Fleet Already Under Pressure
Signs of trouble within the fleet had emerged well before any legal proceedings got under way. According to aviationbusinessnews, on 29 September AnimaWings said it would phase out its six Airbus A220-300s from service on account of persistent technical difficulties. The airline's complete halt to scheduled services followed only days later.
The carrier's fleet consists of two Airbus A320-200s and six Airbus A220-300s, though every one of the A220s is currently grounded, as both outlets report. Two of those A220s have since made ferry flights from Bucharest to Toulouse, according to Aviation Week: air transport. Aviationbusinessnews reports that all six of the out-of-service A220-300s are on lease, with lessors understood to include SMBC Aviation Capital, Air Lease Corporation and Azorra.
Readers wanting background on the aircraft types involved can search our Aircraft Search tool for the full fleet picture.
How the Suspension Has Grown
The flight suspension has been extended twice since it began. What was initially set as a halt through 24 or 25 October was first pushed to 15 November, then extended again, according to aviationbusinessnews and Aviation Week: air transport. In a statement dated 3 November, Aviation Week: air transport reports, AnimaWings confirmed the latest and furthest extension.
The airline said: "In light of the current circumstances and the ongoing restructuring process, Animawings announces the extension of the suspension of all scheduled flights through Dec. 31, 2026, inclusive."
That takes the total suspension to nearly three months from the date operations ceased, with no resumed services now planned until at least the new year.
Who Is Running the AnimaWings Business Now
The Bucharest Tribunal has named a provisional judicial administrator to manage the proceedings. Aviationbusinessnews reports that this responsibility has been assigned to a joint body comprising CITR Filiala București, Infinexa Restructuring and Popescu & Asociații Insolvency.
AnimaWings described the situation in terms that were careful about future commitments. The airline stated: "The proceedings are taking place under the supervision of the appointed judicial administrator, while measures concerning the company's operations and the management of its existing obligations will be determined within the applicable legal framework."
What that means in practice, for aircraft leases, creditor claims and any eventual resumption of services, will become clearer as the administrator works through the company's position.
What This Means for Passengers
For anyone who booked an AnimaWings flight through the end of the year, the December extension leaves little immediate prospect of travel on the carrier. The airline acknowledged the disruption in its November statement, as Aviation Week: air transport reports: "We sincerely regret the impact of this situation on our passengers' travel plans and remain committed to providing transparent and timely updates as relevant information becomes available."
Whether that commitment can translate into concrete remedies for affected passengers will depend on how the insolvency proceedings develop and what the administrator determines about the company's obligations.
The Bottom Line
AnimaWings entered 2024 with a fleet built around the Airbus A220-300, a type intended to give the Romanian carrier reach and efficiency. Persistent technical issues with those aircraft proved to be more than a short-term disruption. With all six A220s out of service, two already ferried to Toulouse, and the airline now under judicial administration, the path back to scheduled operations looks long. Use our Airline Search to track AnimaWings and other carriers in the region. We will update our coverage as the administrator or the airline releases further information.
This article draws on reporting by aviationbusinessnews and Aviation Week: air transport.
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