Air Nostrum is a Spanish regional airline based in Valencia, Spain, and is a franchisee of Iberia Airlines. It was founded in 1994 as a charter airline, and has since evolved into an international airline with a fleet of over 50 airplanes.
The company was founded by five friends in 1994, with the aim of providing charter flights to tour operators. Its first route was from Valencia to Palma de Mallorca on a Cessna Citation II. The following year, the company began operating larger aircraft, such as the Fokker 50, and began to offer scheduled services.
In 1997, the airline entered into a franchise agreement with Iberia Airlines, allowing it to operate certain routes under the Iberia name. This allowed Air Nostrum to expand its network to include international destinations. In 2000, the airline launched its first long-haul route to the Dominican Republic, and has since expanded to destinations throughout Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
The Air Nostrum fleet is composed of over 50 aircraft, including regional jets, turboprops, and regional airliners. The airline operates a variety of aircraft, including Bombardier CRJ-1000s, ATR 72s, and Fokker 50s. The airline also operates a fleet of Airbus A320s, which are used on its long-haul routes to the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and the United States.
Over the years, Air Nostrum has achieved a number of milestones. In 2002, the airline launched its first international route to London, making it the first Spanish airline to do so. The following year, the company launched its first long-haul route to the Dominican Republic. In 2006, the airline became the first Spanish airline to join the Star Alliance.
In 2016, Air Nostrum was the first Spanish airline to order the Bombardier CRJ-1000 regional jet. The following year, the airline was awarded the Best Regional Airline in Europe at the World Airline Awards.
Despite its successes, the airline has encountered its share of challenges over the years. In 2008, an Air Nostrum aircraft was involved in a mid-air collision with a cargo plane near Madrid, resulting in the death of four crew members. In 2014, the airline was the subject of a federal investigation in the United States after it was accused of falsifying maintenance records.
Overall, Air Nostrum has come a long way since its founding in 1994. It has grown from a small charter airline into a successful international carrier, with a fleet of over 50 aircraft and a network spanning Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The airline has achieved numerous milestones, and has overcome its share of challenges, making it one of the leading airlines in Spain.
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