Cargo Airline That Fought EU Ban Goes Bust

A cargo airline based at Gatwick Airport has gone into administration and is up for sale after fighting a ban on operating within the European Union.

Last year's unexpected ban on Das Air in a dispute over safety, coupled with fuel prices reaching an all time high, sent its customer base and financial performance into steep decline. The EU ban prompted a legal case won by the airline, leading to the restriction being lifted.

Andrew Duncan and Andrew Stoneman, partners from Menzies Corporate Restructuring, were appointed as joint administrators last month. They hope to sell the business as a going concern to save jobs and minimise disruption to the customer base. Bids are due in on October 11.

At its peak in 2006, Das Air had annual revenues of more than $200million. The company was established in 1983 as a dedicated cargo operator for Africa, and expanded to serve Europe and the Middle East. Operating a fleet of McDonnell Douglas DC10-30F aircraft out of hubs in Entebbe, Dubai, Lagos and Ostend, it has handled all types of cargo including dangerous goods, live animals and perishables.

Duncan said: "The EU ban has been lifted and the company is in good shape for reclaiming its position as a worldwide cargo carrier."