By Jack S. Waverly
Excel Airways was a tour and travel airline that operated in western
Europe from the mid 1990s into the first decade of the 21st century. While in operation, it afforded many lower income travelers the ability to take
vacations in various
resorts and hotels the airline was either affiliated with or partially owned through its parent company, XL Leisure Group.
Identification
Excel Airways was an English low fare airline that went bankrupt in September 2008. Excel was part of the larger XL Leisure Group, which was largely unaffected by the bankruptcy.
History
Excel Airways started as Sabre Airways in 1994 with the name Excel being put into use in 2000. Libra Holidays Group took a majority stake in the airline in 2000. Excessive fuel costs forced the airline into bankruptcy.
Bankruptcy
Excel Airways in the UK was the only portion of the larger XL Leisure Group to become insolvent. The German and French divisions remained in business. Both German and French airline divisions still fly under the XL brand.
Effects
When Excel stopped daily operations, thousands of tourists were stranded in various parts of western Europe. The British government helped these people get to their destinations.
Aftermath
In 2009, Excel is in administration under the guidance of government appointed trustees.
Resources
About the Author:
Jack S. Waverly is a New York-based freelance writer who writes articles relating to business, personal finance, gardening, sustainable living and business management. Waverly is published on Pluck, Happy News and many other websites.
