Air Nostrum, Líneas Aéreas del Mediterráneo, S.A., also known as Iberia Regional, is a regional airline based in Valencia, Spain.[3] Air Nostrum is an independent carrier which operates as a franchisee of Iberia Airlines and Binter Canarias. Iberia Regional franchise is a regional partner of Iberia and an affiliate member of the Oneworld airline alliance. Air Nostrum operates 91 domestic and international routes to 51 destinations, and charter flights. Its main base is Valencia Airport, with hubs at Barcelona Airport and Madrid-Barajas Airport.[4]
History
The airline was established on 23 May 1994 and started operations on December 15.[5] It was founded as Líneas Aéreas del Mediterraneo/Air Nostrum in Valencia. In May 1997, Air Nostrum signed an agreement with Iberia to become an Iberia franchise. It acquired Iberia subsidiary Binter Mediterraneo and absorbed its operations. Following Iberia's merger with Aviaco in 1999, additional domestic and international services were taken over by Air Nostrum. It acquired Dutch airline Denim Air in 1999, but disposed of its interest in the company in 2002. Air Nostrum is owned by Nefinsa (74.8%), Caja Duero (22.2%) and Air Nostrum management (3%) and has 2,040 employees (in March 2007).[4]
Air Nostrum used to offer a comprehensive meal service on all scheduled flights. In early 2008, the airline eliminated its 'regional business class' cabin. The cabin is now split into separate business and economy sections along the lines of other major airlines. Economy passengers can purchase drinks and snacks from an onboard menu.
Fleet
In July 2016, the Air Nostrum fleet consisted of the following aircraft:[6][7]
On 17 January 2003, an Air Nostrum Fokker 50 overran the runway at Melilla Airport and crashed into the perimeter fence resulting in the aircraft splitting into two major parts. Nine passengers were injured.[9]
On 23 January 2007 Air Nostrum flight IB 8041 from Pamplona to Barcelona had to make an emergency landing at El Prat Airport after reporting problems with the front undercarriage of the plane, a Bombardier Dash 8 Q300. Nobody was injured.[citation needed]
€500 million (2013)[2]
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Media related to Air Nostrum at Wikimedia Commons
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