Estonia: Nordica may lose largest partner SAS

Estonia’s state-owned national air carrier, Nordica, may lose its main partner, Sweden-based Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), ERR reports. Nordica provides operational services under the Xfly brand, and SAS has been Nordica’s largest client. However, SAS has now signed a long-term cooperation agreement with Sweden’s Braathens Regional Airlines (BRA). Sander Salmu, deputy secretary general for mobility at Estonia’s Ministry of Climate, said that the SAS-BRA deal came as a surprise. He said that the ministry was now seeking clarification from SAS about the company’s plans. Aviation experts expect Nordica to lose the long-term leasing contract with SAS. Meanwhile, the government is still looking for a buyer for Nordica and the fleet of seven Bombardier aircraft that the company has been flying, ERR reports.