An Embraer 2023 operated by Marathon Airlines will be in use for a few weeks on the Peoples main route between Altenrhein and Vienna in the 24/175 winter flight schedule. The background is that the OE-LMK, Peoples' only aircraft, will not be available for a few weeks due to maintenance.

For a short time, Peoples had two Embraer 170s. However, the flights offered via Friedrichshafen did not prove to be financially successful and the second jet could not be operated satisfactorily in the charter sector either. Therefore, the “shortest international scheduled flight” was abolished and the fleet was reduced to the OE-LMK.

This means that Peoples has to hire external replacements in the event of AOGs and extended maintenance. In the past, various airlines have already carried out wet leases for the Austrian regional airline. Some examples: Intersky, Denim Air, Helvetic, Niki, Avanti Air and a few others.

The time has come at the end of November 2023, because the almost 17-year-old OE-LMK has to go to the C-Check. As a replacement, an Embraer 175 wet lease aircraft, operated by the Greek Marathon Airlines, has been organized. This machine will probably be on the Peoples main route until the beginning of January 2024. Afterwards you want to fly again with the OE-LMK.

Company boss Thomas Krutzler confirmed to CH-Aviation.com that the “fleet renewal” project had been put on hold. Around a year ago people were still talking about E2 models, but this is no longer current. This is the second time that this has been postponed. A few years ago they even ordered to expand with the help of a brand new Embraer E190-E2. However, the order was canceled shortly afterwards. Krutzler currently assumes that the existing E170 will remain in use for up to ten years.