Airline sends first flight from Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands -- Amsterdam Airlines began its maiden flight Tuesday, sending its only plane, an Airbus 320, to Italy, the company said.

In an era of rising fuel costs and airline cutbacks, the Dutch company has hired 43 workers and plans to add 30 employees for each new plane it acquires, Radio Netherlands reported.

The plan is for the company to lease planes and personnel to other airlines, the report said.

Amsterdam Airlines plans to hire pilots and flight attendants, but purchase other services as needed, the report said.

Airline director Matthijs Boertien said Amsterdam Airlines would triple its fleet size next spring, by buying two more planes.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.