"In 2019, we expect 18 Airbus planes, which adds 9 aircraft to our current (Airbus) fleet," Andreas Gruber told a news conference.

Negotiations with a trade union regarding a collective wage agreement are ongoing, Gruber said, adding that Laudamotion will increase the salaries for its pilots from April.

(Reporting by Kirsti Knolle; editing by Jason Neely)