A London High Court has ordered Greek airline Lumiwings to ground its only aircraft, court documents from September 25 revealed.
Azorra — the owner and servicer of the aircraft — confirmed to Airline Economics it had obtained assistance from the English court to ground the aircraft that had been on lease to Lumiwings.
“This legal action arises from Lumiwings' ongoing operation of the aircraft after the lease was terminated,” said Azorra.
The court ordered the airline to cease operating the Embraer ERJ-195, serial number 19000391.
This includes airframe and engines, as well as other parts such as APUs. Judge Pelling KC further ordered that the aircraft not to be used, moved, or transferred, or that the airline should not “otherwise interfere with the aircraft”.
The aircraft was ordered to be grounded and stored securely at its current location.
Local outlets over the weekend reported that Foggia Airport in Italy had told customers that Lumiwings would not be operating its flights to and from the airport for operational reasons.
“While initiating litigation against a customer is never our preferred course of action, we must act to protect our interests and uphold the integrity of our agreements,” said Azorra.
Wilmington Trust SP Services (Dublin) acted as the legal trustee on behalf of Azorra.
According to Airline Economics research, the aircraft — registered SX-LWD — was leased from Azorra in 2023, having previously been leased to Azul. It is powered by GE CF34-10E7 engines. The aircraft was originally delivered to Azul in 2010.
The court document detailed that a further hearing will take place on October 10 before Judge Pelling KC, where Lumiwings may apply to challenge or change the order. Tickets with the airline are still available for sale from October 2 for flights from Foggia to Milan and Bergamo.
Lumiwings has been contacted by Airline Economics for comment.