Aegean Airlines on a continuous investment track

It seems that Aegean Airlines is ready to seize the summer season in every, and also, compete on equal terms with the international airlines through investments.

We should mention that this strategy came of course as a consequence of the upward trend in terms of traffic and revenue, as already in the first quarter of 2024 the company managed to increase its passenger traffic by 11%, carrying about 2.9 million passengers.

Flying in the clouds, literally and figuratively

Speaking in numbers, the company's positive performance has shown its signs already since last year, making its decision-makers feel confident and ready for the next steps that will lead it to its goal of strengthening its presence in the international market. Aegean in 2023 offered a total of more than 18.5 million seats, including 11.1 million international seats, 2.1 million more, compared to 2022 and 800 thousand more than in 2019. The airline's network included a total of 180 destinations in 49 countries with 307 direct scheduled and charter flights.

It is worth noting at this point the feedback the company seems to be receiving from the travelling public. Aegean was even named first in passenger preferences for the 13th year, through winning the title of "Best Regional Airline in Europe" at the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2023.

The tangible results are a fact, the omens are good, but the powerful Greek carrier is not complacent, wishing to further enhance its profitability and strengthen its market position, having behind it the security of the success it has already enjoyed since the beginning of the year. How does it intend to do this?

The company has already announced the strengthening of existing routes, as well as with the important step of adding new routes, and the general upgrading of its services, aiming for an even higher standard of overall transport experience for the passenger. In practice, that means, among other things, giving access to new destinations not previously reached, expanding its network and brand awareness to new markets and their audiences. In addition to the international level, Aegean does not forget the Greek audience, as the expansion of the destinations it serves is also being implemented in a domestic context.

How far Aegean is "spreading"

With an emphasis on new destinations outside the borders, the company's immediate plans for implementation include European destinations. More specifically, Sarajevo and Vilnius in Lithuania are now in the portfolio. Furthermore, from next June, North Macedonia will be connected to Corfu International Airport.

It is worth mentioning that in addition to targeting Europe, Aegean recently "opened its wings" to Dubai, a destination that remains to be seen in practice how it will "write" for the company in terms of the summer season.

Outside Europe, Aegean currently flies to destinations such as Yerevan in Armenia, neighbouring Istanbul, Cairo, Izmir, Tel Aviv, Johannesburg, Beirut, Kuwait, Amman, Alexandria, Abu Dhabi, Marrakech, but also Melbourne, Sydney and Singapore.

As part of its expansion and vision and gradual expansion, Aegean, as it has recently shown, is not relying solely on its own strengths, but is also looking for strategic partners to bring it closer to its goal.

It is worth noting the important step of cooperation with the Chinese airline Juneyao Airlines, which, in collaboration with Aegean, on April 2 launched direct routes between Athens and Shanghai, operating three times a week. The project seems to have been a success, as 300 passengers arrived in Athens via this flight, according to a press release issued by Athens International Airport "El. Venizelos Airport, Athens.

We should also mention the previous strengthening of the airline's partnership with Volotea in April 2023, with the use of common codes on more than 90 routes during the year.

Aegean strengthens the existing routes with more flights

The focus of interest with regard to the existing routes is the strengthening of the choice of routes connecting Athens and the capital city with some of the largest and most important European capitals, such as London (now with four routes), via Heathrow Airport. Frankfurt is also on the list of cities with which it wants to have a more direct and frequent connection (with five flights in total - from Athens, Thessaloniki and Heraklion) on a daily basis. Of course, capitals such as Paris, Rome, Berlin and Zurich could not be left out, for which Aegean is adding more flights than it already has. Several options are also given to those travelling to Cyprus, with eight flights to Larnaca.

Aegean's strategy does not forget the smaller destinations either, which of course, due to their strong cultural interest and their proximity to Greece, which makes them ideal for relatively short leisure trips that can be made even in a weekend, attract a large number of tourists. Thus, it multiplies routes to areas such as Naples, Venice, Catania, Nice and beyond.

Focus and upgrading of services

Having set the bar high both in terms of in-flight and on-board services, Aegean seems unstoppable and is moving forward with major projects to improve its benefits package as much as possible, betting on the psychology and the positive, overall passenger experience.

A key pillar of its philosophy in this direction is to 'reward' its loyal member customers, whom it turns into premium passengers through extra services. In particular, it is soon planning to create a new business lounge at Larnaca Airport in Cyprus, in the departures wing, which will be offered for the service of its Gold Miles & Bonus members. At the same time, the "bonus" service will also be given to business class passengers who regularly choose the airline.

It should be recalled at this point that the company already has two business lounges in strategic locations that have the highest passenger traffic, which are none other than "Eleftherios Venizelos" in Athens and "Macedonia" in Thessaloniki.

Now, through the expansion of the service in Larnaca, it aims to reach a new audience outside the borders, and create "links" with them, that of Cyprus.

Therefore, strategic partnerships and quantitative (through the new routes), but also qualitative, through the new services and the improvement of the passenger's travel experience, are the "weapons" of the company for its strengthening.

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