New order brings total up to 14 aircraft
AEGEAN AIRLINES, the fastest growing Greek airline, has ordered three more A320s. The airline has committed to 14 A320 aircraft to date, including three A320s leased from ILFC and holds a further nine options, according to the initial agreement signed in December 2005. Deliveries are scheduled to take place between January 2007 and April 2009.
The airline’s A320s will be equipped with a comfortable two-class layout, and be powered by IAE V2500 engines.
The new A320s will replace older aircraft in Aegean’s fleet, and also be used for expansion on both domestic and international routes from the airline’s main bases at Athens and Thessaloniki
Following the addition of Sofia to its network, AEGEAN will start flying to Bucharest in October 2006. Efforts are also being made to secure permission from the respective authorities to initiate flights to Istanbul, Belgrade and Cairo. The airline is placing emphasis on expanding its network to the Balkans as well as further developing its 6 routes to Germany and Italy. By 2008, five additional routes are being considered, all within a 3 hour flight radius from Greece. AEGEAN is currently the number 1 carrier connecting Thessaloniki and Northern Greece with Western Europe.
Since November 2005 AEGEAN has been a regional partner of LUFTHANSA, providing access for its passengers to LUFTHANSA’s global network. Additional advantages of the cooperation are the collection and redemption of frequent flier miles by passengers travelling on both airlines.
Mr. Theodoros Vassilakis, President and CEO of AEGEAN AIRLINES stated: “Our success on both domestic and international routes gives us the confidence and the drive to invest in a larger, modern fleet. Difficult international conditions like the unusually high price of fuel make investing in new technology imperative for the service of our passengers and the viability of our company. Our flight capacity will increase, our operating costs per passenger miles will drop, and our range will broaden, making the expansion of our network possible and full compatibility with Lufthansa’s network possible. Once the aircraft starts to join our fleet, Aegean will have the youngest fleet in our region to further support our commitment to quality to our customers.“
„We are very proud to see a renewed order from Aegean Airlines so quickly after becoming a new Airbus customer in December 2005“, said Christian Streiff, President and Chief Executive Officer of Airbus. „Golden Award winner of the year 2004/5, this successful airline has again been elected 2005/6 Silver „Award Airline of the Year“ by the European Regions Airline Association. We are happy to contribute to the success of this dynamic airline with our market leading A320 Family.“
The Airbus A320 Family is the first choice of airlines worldwide, and the market’s fastest selling aircraft family. More than 4300 aircraft have been ordered to date by over 160 customers. Its cabin has been elected most comfortable cabin by independent surveys, as passengers prefer the greater space and comfort offered by the A320 Family cabin, including its wider seats. It also offers unparalleled economy and reliability. The A320 Family has the lowest fuel burn, emissions and noise footprints in their class.
AEGEAN AIRLINES is the most dynamic airline in Greece, with an average annual growth rate of 20% during the past five years. It is the first Greek airline to introduce e-tickets and e-check-in services and the only thus far awarded by the ERA. AEGEAN offers flights to 15 Greek and 8 European destinations. Through its cooperation with LUFTHANSA it offers additional code-share flights to Munich, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Brussels, Hamburg, Hanover, Berlin and Paris. Additionally, through its cooperation with AIR ONE it has expanded its network in Italy, offering additional flights to Rome, Milan, Venice, Naples, Turin, Genoa, Palermo, Catania, Trieste, Bari and Lamezia Terme. Also, its cooperation with TAP Portugal expands choices for passengers traveling to Portugal.
