European Coastal Airlines CEO Captain Klaus Dieter Martin issues a statement on August 26, 2016 (with an update on August 27).
UPDATE 27.08.2016
Dear Passengers, Friends and Supporters,
As you might have realized, my team and I have been extremely passionate and optimistic regarding the resumption of our operations. Additional and unforeseen obstacles, however, have slowed down this process drastically. I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused and can assure you that our intentions have only been the best and that these delays have been out of our control.
Nevertheless, not all aircrafts in our fleet will resume operations on 29.08.2016 and only our Twin Otter with the registration 9A-TOE with commence with flights, as this is the first where all paperwork has been reassessed and double checked. This aircraft will be used for our Split <> Mali Losinj <> Pula & Pula <> Novalja connections, which will be flown in the morning and in the afternoon, twice per day.
In the meantime, we are working on releasing our Twin Otters with registrations 9A-TOA, 9A-TOB and 9A-TOC for operations, but cannot yet foresee when this will occur, as it is not solely on us and in our power. In order to avoid giving false information we, unfortunately, cannot confirm an exact date when the second, third and fourth Twin Otter will resume operations.
I would like to assure you that we are doing everything in our power to support the authorities in getting those seaplanes airborne as soon as possible.
Nevertheless, we have decided to close sales for all routes related to the above mentioned Twin Otters until we can ensure that they will be released for operations. This has been one of the toughest decisions we have had to make, however, the well-being and impression we are giving to our passengers is of great importance to us. We have been responsible for quite some frustration with our booked passengers these past days. For both me and my team, there is nothing worse than not being able to deliver the service we promise.
Once again, our greatest concern is with our booked passengers. My team is currently contacting every single one of you booked until 31st of August on the affected routes, to issue refunds and to advise and help with alternate transportation. We will continue those efforts up until we fly again.
As soon as our entire fleet resumes operation, you will encounter a punctual, reliable and super-friendly ECA. The incredible views from our planes remain the same and the beauty of Croatia can not be topped.
As mentioned before – we have taken additional measures to get the co-operation of partners to support us in these difficult times. Amongst them are companies with more than 25 years of experience with Twin Otter operations.
There is one last thing I feel the need to address. Repeatedly over these last few days, the safety of our airline was questioned and discussed in various media outlets. Never would the company place any passengers and crew members at risk. For those of you who are lucky enough to have a family and children like me will understand the most my following words: At any given time in the past and future of our operation I trust my crew, my maintenance and my planes with the lifes of my own kids. They can fly in the seaplanes of ECA, every flight and every day. I feel no stronger responsibility than ensuring the well-being of our passengers and crew members, who put their trust in us.
On behalf of my entire team I kindly ask you to stand by our side in these difficult times and apologize for any inconvenience caused.
Respectfully,
Klaus Dieter Martin
Managing Director
If you require further information in regards to your upcoming reservation please do not hesitate to contact our reservations department at
T: +385 21 444 813
M: [email protected]
If you require further information in regards to public relations please do not hesitate to contact our public relations department at
T: 385 91 322 322 5
M: [email protected]
