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{{Short description|Flag carrier of Bulgaria}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2024}}
{{Infobox airline
{{Infobox airline
|airline = Bulgaria Air <br> България Ер
| airline = Bulgaria Air<br>България Еър
|logo = Bulgaria Air logo.png
| logo = Bulgaria Air logo-en.svg
|logo_size = 250
| logo_size =
|IATA = FB
| IATA = FB
|ICAO = LZB
| ICAO = LZB
|callsign = FLYING BULGARIA
| callsign = FLYING BULGARIA
|founded = November 2002
| founded = {{start date and age|2002|11||df=yes}}
|commenced = 4 December 2002
| commenced = {{start date and age|2002|12|04|df=yes}}
|hubs = [[Sofia Airport]]
| hubs = [[Sofia Airport|Sofia]]
|focus_cities =
| focus_cities = {{ubl|class=nowrap
| [[Burgas Airport|Burgas]]
<div>
[[Bourgas Airport]]
| [[Varna Airport|Varna]]}}
| frequent_flyer = FLY MORE
<br>[[Varna Airport]]<br>
| subsidiaries = Bul Air<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airfleets.net/flottecie/Bul%20Air.htm|title=Bul Air Fleet - Airfleets aviation|work=airfleets.net|access-date=27 March 2017}}</ref>{{FV|date=January 2024}}
</div>
| alliance =
|frequent_flyer = FLY MORE
| fleet_size = 14
|lounge = Vitosha Lounge Sofia<br>Business Lounge Sofia<br>VIP Lounge Sofia
| destinations = 26{{cn|date=October 2024}}
|subsidiaries = [[Hemus Air]]
| parent =
|alliance =
| headquarters = [[Sofia]], [[Bulgaria]]
|fleet_size = 10
| key_people = {{ubl|
|destinations = 26
| Yanko Georgiev ([[Chief executive officer|CEO]])
|parent = [[Balkan Hemus Group EAD]]
| Hristo Todorov (CEO)}}
|headquarters = [[Sofia Airport]]<br>[[Sofia]], [[Bulgaria]]
| revenue = {{increase}} [[Euro|€]]148.4 million (2018)<ref name=Tanev>{{cite web |last1=Tanev |first1=Mario |title=Bulgaria Air narrows 2018 net loss on rise in revenue |url=https://seenews.com/news/bulgaria-air-narrows-2018-net-loss-on-rise-in-revenue-658102 |website=SeeNews |access-date=22 August 2019 |date=2019-06-14}}</ref>
|key_people = <div>
| net_income = {{decrease}} -€1.8 million (2018)<ref name=Tanev/>
* Yanko Georgiev ([[CEO]])
| website = {{URL|www.air.bg/en}}
* Hristo Todorov ([[CEO]])</div>
|website = [http://www.air.bg/ www.air.bg]
}}
}}


'''Bulgaria Air''' ({{lang-bg|България Ер}}), is the [[flag carrier]] [[airline]] of [[Bulgaria]], with its headquarters at [[Sofia Airport]] in [[Sofia]].<ref>"[http://www.air.bg/en/contacts Contacts]." Bulgaria Air. Retrieved on 10 May 2010. "Head office 1, Brussels Blvd Sofia Airport Sofia 1540" [http://www.air.bg/bg/contacts Address in Bulgarian]: "бул. "Брюксел" № 1 Летище София София 1540"</ref> The company is owned by Chimimport Inc. and is a leader in terms of local market share. In 2008, according to the company's Annual Report, Bulgaria Air carried 1,185,430 passengers.
'''Bulgaria Air''' ({{langx|bg|България Еър}}) is the [[flag carrier]] airline of Bulgaria,<ref name="Bulgaria Air strengthens its European network with new E-Jets, but cost reduction is also essential" /> with its headquarters at [[Sofia Airport]] in [[Sofia]].<ref>"[http://www.air.bg/en/contacts Contacts]." Bulgaria Air. Retrieved 10 May 2010. "Head office 1, Brussels Blvd Sofia Airport Sofia 1540" [https://www.air.bg/bg/contacts Address in Bulgarian] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161205053606/https://www.air.bg/bg/contacts |date=2016-12-05}}: "бул. "Брюксел" № 1 Летище София София 1540"</ref> The company is owned by [[Chimimport AD]] and is a leader in terms of local market share. The airline operates short and medium haul aircraft to destinations in [[Europe]] and the [[Middle East]]. Focus cities in Bulgaria are [[Burgas]] and [[Varna, Bulgaria|Varna]]. In 2018, the company carried a total of 1.267 million passengers on 5,995 flights.<ref name=Tanev/>
Bulgaria Air’s fleet consists of 10 aircraft for short and medium range flights.


==History==
==History==
[[File:Bulgaria_Air_BAe-146-300_LZ-HBF_ZRH_2011-08-02.jpg|thumb|A Bulgaria Air [[BAe 146-300]] in 2011.]]
The airline was established in 2002<ref>{{cite web|title=Bulgaria Air|url=http://visegradplus.org/comapnies/bulgaria-air/|website=visegradplus.org|publisher=Jagiellonian Club of Poland|archive-date=11 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611104713/http://visegradplus.org/comapnies/bulgaria-air/|url-status=dead}}</ref> as a successor to the insolvent [[Balkan Bulgarian Airlines]] and commenced operations on 4 December that year. By order of the Minister of Transport and Communications, it was declared the national flag carrier in November 2002. Bulgaria Air began operations using the name '''Balkan Air Tour'''. The airline was known by that name for just a short period of time. The name ''Bulgaria Air'' and the initial logo were determined in a public competition.<ref name="about">[http://www.air.bg/en/about About Bulgaria Air] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080622124325/http://air.bg/en/about |date=2008-06-22}}. Air.bg (23 September 2009). Retrieved 21 December 2010.</ref> Bulgaria Air was privatised in 2006; although it was rumoured that the government wanted to sell the carrier to a major foreign investor, a group of locally owned companies, led by [[Hemus Air]], emerged as the buyer with Italian airline [[Air One]] being the only other contender.<ref>[http://www.sofiaecho.com/article/candidate-for-bulgaria-air-selected/id_18350/catid_23/search_1 Candidate for Bulgaria Air selected – Business] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808213333/http://www.sofiaecho.com/article/candidate-for-bulgaria-air-selected/id_18350/catid_23/search_1 |date=2016-08-08}}. ''The Sofia Echo'' (30 October 2006). Retrieved 21 December 2010.</ref> Hemus Air reportedly paid €6.6 million and promised to invest a further €86 million over the next five years.<ref name="Sofia Echo">[http://www.sofiaecho.com/article/bulgaria-air-deal-completed/id_19695/catid_64 Bulgaria Air Deal Completed – Bulgaria] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808195308/http://www.sofiaecho.com/article/bulgaria-air-deal-completed/id_19695/catid_64 |date=2016-08-08}}. ''The Sofia Echo'' (5 January 2007). Retrieved 21 December 2010.</ref> Since then, all flights and operations of Hemus Air and its subsidiary [[Viaggio Air]] are under the name and management of the merged company, Bulgaria Air.


In November 2008, Bulgaria Air became a full member of the [[International Air Transport Association]] (IATA).<ref name="air.bg news">{{cite press release |url=http://www.air.bg/en/news&id=150 |title=Bulgaria Air joined {{sic|nolink=y|successfully}} IATA |access-date=25 May 2015 |publisher=Bulgaria Air |date=25 November 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207210200/http://www.air.bg/en/news%26id%3D150 |archive-date=7 February 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In mid-2011 Bulgaria Air announced that they had completed a thorough analysis of its routes and had decided to acquire the new [[Embraer E-Jet family|Embraer 190]] aircraft. The delivery of the first new Embraer 190 aircraft occurred in March 2012.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bulgaria Air Welcomes First Embraer 190 Jet |url=https://www.novinite.com/articles/137461/Bulgaria+Air+Welcomes+First+Embraer+190+Jet |website=novinite.com Sofia News Agency |publisher=Novinite Group.com |access-date=21 August 2019 |date=2019}}</ref> In February 2020, the airline’s CEO Yanko Georgiev stated that the carrier was in talks with two aircraft manufacturers to place an order for a single-aisle jet. They plan to order 5-6 of these aircraft to modernise their fleet and to extend their network with more aircraft available.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2020-01-28/bulgaria-air-prepares-fleet-modernization-and-expansion-plan|title=Bulgaria Air Prepares Fleet Modernization and Expansion Plan|first=Cathy|last=Buyck|website=Aviation International News}}</ref>
===Company===
The airline was established in 2002 as a successor to the insolvent [[Balkan Bulgarian Airlines]]. By order of the Minister of Transport and Communications it was declared the national flag carrier in November 2002, starting operations on the 4th of December, 2002. The name and initial logo were determined by a public competition.<ref name="about">[http://www.air.bg/en/about About Bulgaria Air]. Air.bg (2009-09-23). Retrieved on 2010-12-21.</ref> Bulgaria Air was privatised in 2006; although it was rumoured that the government wanted to sell the carrier to a major foreign investor, a union of locally-owned companies, led by [[Hemus Air]], emerged as the buyer with Italian [[Air One]] being the only other contender.<ref>[http://www.sofiaecho.com/article/candidate-for-bulgaria-air-selected/id_18350/catid_23/search_1 Candidate for Bulgaria Air selected – Business]. The Sofia Echo (2006-10-30). Retrieved on 2010-12-21.</ref> Hemus Air reportedly paid €6.6m and promised to invest a further €86m over the next five years.<ref name="Sofia Echo">[http://www.sofiaecho.com/article/bulgaria-air-deal-completed/id_19695/catid_64 Bulgaria Air Deal Completed – Bulgaria]. The Sofia Echo (2007-01-05). Retrieved on 2010-12-21.</ref> Since then all flights and operations of [[Hemus Air]] and its subsidiary [[Viaggio Air]] are under name and management of the merged company, Bulgaria Air.


==Corporate affairs==
On 20 November 2008, Bulgaria Air became a full member of the [[International Air Transport Association]] (IATA).<ref name="air.bg">[http://www.air.bg/en/news&id=150 Bulgaria Air – News About Flights to/from Bulgaria]. Air.bg. Retrieved on 2010-12-21.</ref>
===Bul Air===
[[File:LZ-FBE (7065116993).jpg|thumb|right|Bulgaria Air [[Airbus A320 family|Airbus A320]] taxiing at [[London Heathrow Airport]].]]
'''Bul Air''' is the charter brand of Bulgaria Air. The company was founded in 1954, but after merging with the Bulgarian national carrier, TABSO became part of ''Balkan Bulgarian Airlines''. In 2015, the company was revived by Bulgaria Air.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bulair.bg/about/|title=Company|work=bulair.bg|access-date=21 April 2017|archive-date=22 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170422035019/http://www.bulair.bg/about/|url-status=dead}}</ref>


===Frequent flyer program===
Bulgaria Air initially began operations by the name of "Balkan Air Tour." The [[airline]] was known by that name for a short period of time.
'''Fly More''' is the name of the Bulgaria Air [[frequent flyer program]]. There are three levels of membership: Basic, Silver and Gold Privilege.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.air.bg/en/membership/ |title=Авиокомпания България Ер - Membership levels |publisher=Air.bg |access-date=2015-03-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402150358/https://www.air.bg/en/membership/ |archive-date=2015-04-02 |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Central Cooperative Bank]] is issuing Visa Classic and Visa Gold co-branded Credit Cards with Bulgaria Air.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ccbank.bg/en/products-and-services/retail-business/bank-cards/credit-cards/ccb-bg-air-credit-card/ |title="CCB - BG AIR" credit card &#124; Central Cooperative Bank |publisher=Ccbank.bg |access-date=2015-03-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150416150354/http://www.ccbank.bg/en/products-and-services/retail-business/bank-cards/credit-cards/ccb-bg-air-credit-card/ |archive-date=2015-04-16 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.air.bg/en/co-branded-card |title=Авиокомпания България Ер - Co-branded credit card |publisher=Air.bg |access-date=2015-03-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231113650/https://www.air.bg/en/co-branded-card |archive-date=2014-12-31 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<br>In mid-2011 Bulgaria Air announced that after a thorough analysis of their destinations they had chosen to purchase 7 new [[Embraer E-190]] aircraft. The aircraft will most likely come with a 108 seat configuration (8 Business, 100 Economy). The delivery of the first planes was in early 2012, whilst the remaining aircraft will be delivered later in 2013.


==Livery==
===Livery===
In November 2002 public contests were held in [[Bulgaria]] to determine a name and logo for the new airline. Thousands of people showed their creativity and voiced their opinions. After searching through countless submissions, the name and logo were chosen.<ref name="air.bg"/> The design was used for about 4 years, until 2006, when an improved, more professional design, was introduced.<ref name="Sofia Echo"/> After the full fleet merge of [[Hemus Air]] and [[Viaggio Air]], a new [[livery]] had to be developed once again. In mid-2010, the first Bulgaria Air [[Airbus A320 family|Airbus A319]] was rolled out wearing the finalised colour scheme.
In November 2002, public contests were held in Bulgaria to determine a name and logo for the new airline. Thousands of people showed their creativity and voiced their opinions. After searching through the submissions, the name and logo were chosen.<ref name="air.bg news" /> The design was used for about four years, until 2006, when an improved, more professional design was introduced.<ref name="Sofia Echo"/> After the full fleet integration of [[Hemus Air]] and [[Viaggio Air]], a new livery had to be developed once again. In mid-2010, the first Bulgaria Air [[Airbus A319]] was rolled out wearing the finalised colour scheme.


==Destinations==
===Catering===
In 2010, Bulgaria Air and [[LSG Sky Chefs]] created a new airline catering company called Silver Wings. The total investment for Bulgaria Air totaled $1.3 million. Future investment plans envision a new canteen to serve the airport staff at [[Sofia Airport]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.emg.rs/en/news/region/130032.html |title=Какъв приятел? - Крейг Джонсън - EMG |publisher=Emg.rs |date=2013-06-07 |access-date=2015-03-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hbcbg.com/?cid=41&NewsId=2224 |title=Hellenic Business Council in Bulgaria - Home page |publisher=Hbcbg.com |access-date=2015-03-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.air.bg/bg/news/newsdetail/from/current/id/52/page/12 |title=Авиокомпания България Ер - Новини |publisher=Air.bg |date=2015-02-24 |access-date=2015-03-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413124612/http://www.air.bg/bg/news/newsdetail/from/current/id/52/page/12 |archive-date=2014-04-13 |url-status=dead}}</ref>


===Media===
{{Main|Bulgaria Air destinations}}
''Bulgaria On Air: The In-Flight Magazine'' - Bulgaria Air's in-flight magazine. Its first edition was in 2003.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.air.bg/bg/flight-magazine |title=Авиокомпания България Ер - Списанието |publisher=Air.bg |access-date=2015-03-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150319165943/https://www.air.bg/bg/flight-magazine |archive-date=2015-03-19 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In April 2011, the in-flight magazine was extended with an edition which is distributed in some hotels and shopping centres, ''Bulgaria On Air: The Business Magazine''.
Bulgaria Air operates 22 routes from [[Sofia Airport]], including two domestic routes to [[Bourgas]] and [[Varna]]. During the summer season Bulgaria Air operates flights to and from [[Bourgas Airport|Burgas]] and [[Varna Airport|Varna]] airport.

==Destinations==
Bulgaria Air operates 21 routes from [[Sofia Airport]], including two domestic routes to [[Burgas]] and [[Varna, Bulgaria|Varna]].{{cn|date=October 2024}} In June 2024 the airline begin seasonal service from Varna to Frankfurt and Prague.<ref>[https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/694011-bulgaria-air-to-fly-direct-from-varna-to-prague-frankfurt Bulgaria Air begin seasonal service from Varna to Frankfurt and Prague S24]</ref>


===Codeshare agreements===
===Codeshare agreements===
Bulgaria Air has [[codeshare agreement]]s with the following airlines:<ref>[http://www.air.bg/en/partners Bulgaria Air Partners]. Air.bg (2009-09-23). Retrieved on 2010-12-21.</ref>
Bulgaria Air has [[codeshare agreement]]s with the following airlines:<ref>{{Cite web|author=Bulgaria Air|title=Partners - About us|url=https://www.air.bg/en/about/partners|access-date=2022-01-20|website=air.bg}}</ref>
{{col-start}}
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
* [[Aegean Airlines]]
{{col-break}}
* [[Air France]]
* [[Aeroflot]] <small>([[SkyTeam]])</small>
* [[Air France]] <small>([[SkyTeam]])</small>
* [[Air Serbia]]
* [[airBaltic]]<ref>{{cite news |last1=Nowakowski |first1=Adrian |title=airBaltic, Bulgaria Air Sign Codeshare Partnership |url=https://www.airwaysmag.com/new-post/airbaltic-bulgaria-air-codeshare |access-date=16 May 2024 |work=airwaysmag.com |publisher=Airways |date=15 May 2024}}</ref>
* [[Alitalia]] <small>([[SkyTeam]])</small>
* [[Cyprus Airways]]
* [[Cyprus Airways]] <ref>http://www.air.bg/en/news/bylgariia-er-i-kipyrskite-aviolinii-s-nov-dogovor-za-syvmestno-sytrudnichestvo</ref>
* [[Iberia (airline)|Iberia]]
* [[Czech Airlines]] <small>([[SkyTeam]])</small>
* [[ITA Airways]]
{{col-break}}
* [[KLM]]
* [[Iberia Airlines|Iberia]] <small>([[Oneworld]])</small>
* [[TAROM]]
* [[KLM]] <small>([[SkyTeam]])</small>
* [[Qatar Airways]]
* [[LOT Polish Airlines]] <small>([[Star Alliance]])</small>
* [[Windrose Airlines]]
* [[TAROM]] <small>([[SkyTeam]])</small>
{{div col end}}
* [[Emirates (airline)]]
{{col-end}}


=== Interline agreements ===
===Charter flights===
Bulgaria Air has special [[interline agreement]]s with the following airlines:
{{Main|Bulgaria Air charter destinations}}
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
Currently the company serves over 60 leading tour operators, air transport brokers, airlines and other companies of the aviation and tourist industries, performing charter flights to over 80 destinations in [[Europe]], [[Africa]] and [[Asia]].
* [[Air Europa]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.air.bg/en/news/bulgaria-air-concluded-a-spa-contract-with-the-spanish-air-europa|title="Bulgaria Air" concluded a SPA contract with the Spanish Air Europa -|first=Studio X. Creative / Web Design /|last=Development|website=Airline Bulgaria Air}}</ref>
* [[American Airlines]]
* [[Brussels Airlines]]
* [[Emirates (airline)|Emirates]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.air.bg/en/news/---bylgariia-er----skluchi-dogovor-za-partnyorstvo-s-emirates |title=Авиокомпания България Ер - News |publisher=Air.bg |access-date=2015-03-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402121826/https://www.air.bg/en/news/---bylgariia-er----skluchi-dogovor-za-partnyorstvo-s-emirates |archive-date=2015-04-02 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[Finnair]]
* [[LATAM Brasil]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.air.bg/bg/news/na-mondial-s---bulgaria-air-- |title=Авиокомпания България Ер - Новини |publisher=Air.bg |date=2014-05-28 |access-date=2015-03-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141207172928/https://www.air.bg/bg/news/na-mondial-s---bulgaria-air-- |archive-date=2014-12-07 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[Virgin Atlantic]]
{{div col end}}


=== Charter flights ===
==Fleet==
Bulgaria Air performs charter flights for over 60 leading tour operators, air transport brokers, airlines, and other companies of the aviation and tourist industries. During the summer season, the airline mainly operates flights from Bourgas and Varna airports to destinations in Germany, Israel, Lebanon, and Poland. In addition, the company operates charter flights from Sofia airport to popular holiday destinations in Egypt, Greece, Italy, Spain, Tunisia, and Turkey.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.air.bg/en/charters-and-leasing-conditions|title=Conditions|author=Studio X Creative / Web Design Development|work=air.bg|access-date=27 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024184615/https://www.air.bg/en/charters-and-leasing-conditions|archive-date=24 October 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
[[File:LZ-HBF landing in Zurich.jpg|thumb|Bulgaria Air [[British Aerospace 146|British Aerospace 146-300]] landing at [[Zurich Airport]].]]
[[File:Embraer ERJ-190-100IGW 190AR, Bulgaria Air AN2171301.jpg|thumb|Bulgaria Air Embraer 190 LZ-SOF at [[Frankfurt Airport]].]]


==Fleet==
As of April 2014 Bulgaria Air operates 3 [[Airbus A320 family#A319|Airbus A319]], 3 [[Airbus A320 family#A320|Airbus A320]] and 4 [[Embraer ERJ-190]]. The average age of the active Bulgaria Air fleet is 4.9 years.<ref>[http://www.planespotters.net/Airline/Bulgaria-Air Bulgaria Fleet Age]</ref>
[[File:Bulgaria Air A220 landing at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.jpg|thumb|Bulgaria Air [[Airbus A220-300]]]]
[[File:Airbus A320-214, Bulgaria Air JP7388467.jpg|thumb|Bulgaria Air [[Airbus A320-200]]]]
{{As of|2024|10}}, Bulgaria Air operates the following aircraft:<ref name=airfleets.net>{{cite web |title=Bulgaria Air Fleet Details |url=https://www.airfleets.net/flottecie/Bulgaria%20Air.htm |website=Airfleets.net |access-date=13 October 2024}}</ref><ref name="air.bg fleet">{{cite web |title=Fleet |url=https://www.air.bg/en/about/fleet |website=Bulgaria Air |access-date=13 October 2024}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable" style="border-collapse:collapse;text-align:center;margin:auto;"
<center>
|+ Bulgaria Air fleet
{| class="toccolours" border="1" cellpadding="3" style="border-collapse:collapse;text-align:right"
|-
|+ '''Bulgaria Air Fleet'''<ref name="bulgaria_air_fleet">{{cite web| url = http://www.air.bg/en/airplanes/airplanes | title = Bulgaria Air – Fleet | year = 2009 | publisher = Bulgaria Air | accessdate = 11 September 2011 }}</ref><ref name="planespotters">{{cite web| url = http://www.planespotters.net/Airline/Bulgaria-Air | title = Bulgaria Air - Details and Fleet History | date = 23 October 2011 | publisher = [[Planespotters.net]] | accessdate = 9 November 2011 }}</ref>
!rowspan="2"|Aircraft
|- bgcolor=#C0C0C0
!rowspan="2"|In Service
! rowspan="2" style="text-align:left;"|<center>Aircraft</center>
! rowspan="2" style="width:35px;" |Total
!rowspan="2"|Orders
!colspan="3"|Passengers<ref name="air.bg fleet" />
! rowspan="2" style="width:25px;" |Orders
!rowspan="2"|Notes
! colspan="3" style="text-align:center;"| Passengers
|-
! rowspan="2" style="text-align:left;" |<center>Notes</center>
! <abbr title="Business Class">B</abbr>
|- bgcolor=#C0C0C0
! <abbr title="Business class">C</abbr>
! <abbr title="Economy Class">E</abbr>
! <abbr title="Economy class">Y</abbr>
! Total
! Total
|-
|-
|[[Airbus A220-100]]
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Airbus A320 family#A319|Airbus A319-111]]
|1
|1
|1<ref name=takesA220>{{Cite web |title=Bulgaria Air takes delivery of its first A220 |url=https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2023-06-bulgaria-air-takes-delivery-of-its-first-a220 |access-date=13 October 2024 |website=www.airbus.com|date=16 June 2023}}</ref>
|0
|8
|8
|126
|110
|134
|118
|
|style="text-align:left;"|
|-
|-
|[[Airbus A220-300]]
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Airbus A320 family#A319|Airbus A319-112]]
|2
|4
|1<ref name=takesA220/>
|0
|8
|8
|132
|135
|140
|143
|
|style="text-align:left;"|
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[Airbus A320-200]]
|rowspan="3"|5
|rowspan="3"|&mdash;
|10
|150
|160
|rowspan="3"|
|-
|8
|156
|164
|-
|-
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Airbus A320 family#A320|Airbus A320-214]]
|3
|0
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|180
|180
|180
|180
|style="text-align:left;"|
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | {{nowrap|[[Embraer E-190]]}}
|[[Embraer 190]]
|4
|4
|&mdash;
|0
|8
|8
|100
|100
|108
|108
|
|style="text-align:left;"|
|-
|-
!Total
!style="text-align:left;"| Total
!10
!14
!0
!2
!colspan=3|
!colspan=3|
!
!Last updated: April 2014
|}
|}
</center>


===Retired fleet===
==See also==
* [[ATR 42|ATR 42-300]]
*[[Transport in Bulgaria]]
* [[British Aerospace 146|BAe 146-200]]
* [[British Aerospace 146|BAe 146-300]]
* [[Boeing 737 Classic|Boeing 737-300]]
* [[Boeing 737 Classic|Boeing 737-500]]

==Private business flights==

The company offers service for business and VIP clients with an [[Avro RJ70]] [[Business Jet]]. The passenger compartment of the aircraft is equipped with 26 armchairs, couches, dining tables and multiple LCD displays, as well as on-board [[Wi-Fi]].<ref>[http://www.air.bg/en/business-flights-conditions Bulgaria Air Business Flights Conditions]. Air.bg (2009-09-23). Retrieved on 2010-12-21.</ref>
[[File:British Aerospace Avro RJ70, Bulgaria Air JP6833394.jpg|thumb|Bulgaria Air VIP Avro RJ70 Business Jet]]

==Services==

===Frequent Flyer===
"Fly More" is the name of the Bulgaria Air Frequent flyer programme. There are three levels of membership:
*Basic - initial level from which the collection of points starts. The member receives a temporary card with identification code.
*Silver Standard Card - After the member conducts 5 flight he/she receives a permanent membership card. Silver Card holders may exchange their bonus points for free tickets and additional services.
*Gold Privilege Card - The level is reached after earning 30,000 points within 18 months of enrollment into the programme. Gold cardholders earn a greater number of points on each flight and enjoy a wider range of benefits.<ref>http://www.air.bg/en/membership/</ref>

===Catering===

In 2010 Bulgaria Air and [[LSG Sky Chefs]] created a new airline catering company called Silver Wings. The total investment for Bulgaria Air reaches to $1.3 million. Future investment plans envision a new canteen to serve the airport staff at [[Sofia Airport]].<ref>http://www.emg.rs/en/news/region/130032.html</ref><ref>http://www.hbcbg.com/?cid=41&NewsId=2224</ref><ref>http://www.air.bg/bg/news/newsdetail/from/current/id/52/page/12</ref>

===Bulgaria Air Media===

[[Bulgaria Оn Аir]] is a business media brand, created on 9 September 2011. It is owned by Bulgaria Air and M-SAT cabel. The media includes two magazines, website, radio and TV channel.

*''Bulgaria On Air: The Inflight Magazine'' - Bulgaria Air's inflight magazine. Its first edition was in 2003. The magazine is widely read business and lifestyle edition.<ref>http://www.air.bg/bg/flight-magazine</ref>
*Bulgaria On Air: The Business Magazine - In April 2011 the inflight magazine was extended with an edition which is distributed in some hotels and shopping centers.


==References==
==References==
{{{reflist|30em|refs=
{{Reflist|2}}
<!-- + -->
*{{cite web|title=Bulgaria Air News|url=http://www.air.bg/en/news/newsdetail/from/current/id/168|publisher=Bulgaria Air}}
<ref name="Bulgaria Air strengthens its European network with new E-Jets, but cost reduction is also essential">{{cite news|title=Bulgaria Air strengthens its European network with new E-Jets, but cost reduction is also essential |work=CAPA Centre for Aviation |date=4 June 2012 |url=http://centreforaviation.com/analysis/bulgaria-air-strengthens-its-european-network-with-new-e-jets-but-cost-reduction-is-also-essential-75294 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129211203/http://centreforaviation.com/analysis/bulgaria-air-strengthens-its-european-network-with-new-e-jets-but-cost-reduction-is-also-essential-75294 |archive-date=2014-11-29}}</ref>
<!-- + -->

}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Portal|Bulgaria|Companies|Aviation}}
{{commons category-inline|Bulgaria Air}}
*{{official website|https://www.air.bg/en/}}
{{commonscat-inline|Bulgaria Air}}
*{{cite web|title=Bulgaria Air News|url=http://www.air.bg/en/news/newsdetail/from/current/id/168|publisher=Bulgaria Air|access-date=2012-03-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402221924/https://www.air.bg/en/news/newsdetail/from/current/id/168|archive-date=2015-04-02|url-status=dead}}
*{{official website|http://www.air.bg/en/}}

<br>
{{Portalbar|Bulgaria|Companies|Aviation}}
{{IATA members|europe}}
{{IATA members|europe}}
{{Airlines of Bulgaria}}
{{Airlines of Bulgaria}}
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[[Category:Airlines of Bulgaria]]
[[Category:Airlines of Bulgaria]]
[[Category:Airlines established in 2002]]
[[Category:Airlines established in 2002]]
[[Category:IATA members]]
[[Category:Bulgarian brands]]
[[Category:2002 establishments in Bulgaria]]
[[Category:Bulgarian companies established in 2002]]

Latest revision as of 15:48, 24 November 2024

Bulgaria Air
България Еър
IATA ICAO Call sign
FB LZB FLYING BULGARIA
FoundedNovember 2002; 22 years ago (2002-11)
Commenced operations4 December 2002; 21 years ago (2002-12-04)
HubsSofia
Focus cities
Frequent-flyer programFLY MORE
SubsidiariesBul Air[1][failed verification]
Fleet size14
Destinations26[citation needed]
HeadquartersSofia, Bulgaria
Key people
  • Yanko Georgiev (CEO)
  • Hristo Todorov (CEO)
RevenueIncrease €148.4 million (2018)[2]
Net incomeDecrease -€1.8 million (2018)[2]
Websitewww.air.bg/en

Bulgaria Air (Bulgarian: България Еър) is the flag carrier airline of Bulgaria,[3] with its headquarters at Sofia Airport in Sofia.[4] The company is owned by Chimimport AD and is a leader in terms of local market share. The airline operates short and medium haul aircraft to destinations in Europe and the Middle East. Focus cities in Bulgaria are Burgas and Varna. In 2018, the company carried a total of 1.267 million passengers on 5,995 flights.[2]

History

[edit]
A Bulgaria Air BAe 146-300 in 2011.

The airline was established in 2002[5] as a successor to the insolvent Balkan Bulgarian Airlines and commenced operations on 4 December that year. By order of the Minister of Transport and Communications, it was declared the national flag carrier in November 2002. Bulgaria Air began operations using the name Balkan Air Tour. The airline was known by that name for just a short period of time. The name Bulgaria Air and the initial logo were determined in a public competition.[6] Bulgaria Air was privatised in 2006; although it was rumoured that the government wanted to sell the carrier to a major foreign investor, a group of locally owned companies, led by Hemus Air, emerged as the buyer with Italian airline Air One being the only other contender.[7] Hemus Air reportedly paid €6.6 million and promised to invest a further €86 million over the next five years.[8] Since then, all flights and operations of Hemus Air and its subsidiary Viaggio Air are under the name and management of the merged company, Bulgaria Air.

In November 2008, Bulgaria Air became a full member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).[9] In mid-2011 Bulgaria Air announced that they had completed a thorough analysis of its routes and had decided to acquire the new Embraer 190 aircraft. The delivery of the first new Embraer 190 aircraft occurred in March 2012.[10] In February 2020, the airline’s CEO Yanko Georgiev stated that the carrier was in talks with two aircraft manufacturers to place an order for a single-aisle jet. They plan to order 5-6 of these aircraft to modernise their fleet and to extend their network with more aircraft available.[11]

Corporate affairs

[edit]

Bul Air

[edit]

Bul Air is the charter brand of Bulgaria Air. The company was founded in 1954, but after merging with the Bulgarian national carrier, TABSO became part of Balkan Bulgarian Airlines. In 2015, the company was revived by Bulgaria Air.[12]

Frequent flyer program

[edit]

Fly More is the name of the Bulgaria Air frequent flyer program. There are three levels of membership: Basic, Silver and Gold Privilege.[13] Central Cooperative Bank is issuing Visa Classic and Visa Gold co-branded Credit Cards with Bulgaria Air.[14][15]

Livery

[edit]

In November 2002, public contests were held in Bulgaria to determine a name and logo for the new airline. Thousands of people showed their creativity and voiced their opinions. After searching through the submissions, the name and logo were chosen.[9] The design was used for about four years, until 2006, when an improved, more professional design was introduced.[8] After the full fleet integration of Hemus Air and Viaggio Air, a new livery had to be developed once again. In mid-2010, the first Bulgaria Air Airbus A319 was rolled out wearing the finalised colour scheme.

Catering

[edit]

In 2010, Bulgaria Air and LSG Sky Chefs created a new airline catering company called Silver Wings. The total investment for Bulgaria Air totaled $1.3 million. Future investment plans envision a new canteen to serve the airport staff at Sofia Airport.[16][17][18]

Media

[edit]

Bulgaria On Air: The In-Flight Magazine - Bulgaria Air's in-flight magazine. Its first edition was in 2003.[19] In April 2011, the in-flight magazine was extended with an edition which is distributed in some hotels and shopping centres, Bulgaria On Air: The Business Magazine.

Destinations

[edit]

Bulgaria Air operates 21 routes from Sofia Airport, including two domestic routes to Burgas and Varna.[citation needed] In June 2024 the airline begin seasonal service from Varna to Frankfurt and Prague.[20]

Codeshare agreements

[edit]

Bulgaria Air has codeshare agreements with the following airlines:[21]

Interline agreements

[edit]

Bulgaria Air has special interline agreements with the following airlines:

Charter flights

[edit]

Bulgaria Air performs charter flights for over 60 leading tour operators, air transport brokers, airlines, and other companies of the aviation and tourist industries. During the summer season, the airline mainly operates flights from Bourgas and Varna airports to destinations in Germany, Israel, Lebanon, and Poland. In addition, the company operates charter flights from Sofia airport to popular holiday destinations in Egypt, Greece, Italy, Spain, Tunisia, and Turkey.[26]

Fleet

[edit]
Bulgaria Air Airbus A220-300
Bulgaria Air Airbus A320-200

As of October 2024, Bulgaria Air operates the following aircraft:[27][28]

Bulgaria Air fleet
Aircraft In Service Orders Passengers[28] Notes
B E Total
Airbus A220-100 1 1[29] 8 110 118
Airbus A220-300 4 1[29] 8 135 143
Airbus A320-200 5 — 10 150 160
8 156 164
— 180 180
Embraer 190 4 — 8 100 108
Total 14 2

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]

{

  1. ^ "Bul Air Fleet - Airfleets aviation". airfleets.net. Retrieved 27 March 2017.
  2. ^ a b c Tanev, Mario (14 June 2019). "Bulgaria Air narrows 2018 net loss on rise in revenue". SeeNews. Retrieved 22 August 2019.
  3. ^ "Bulgaria Air strengthens its European network with new E-Jets, but cost reduction is also essential". CAPA Centre for Aviation. 4 June 2012. Archived from the original on 29 November 2014.
  4. ^ "Contacts." Bulgaria Air. Retrieved 10 May 2010. "Head office 1, Brussels Blvd Sofia Airport Sofia 1540" Address in Bulgarian Archived 2016-12-05 at the Wayback Machine: "бул. "Брюксел" № 1 Летище София София 1540"
  5. ^ "Bulgaria Air". visegradplus.org. Jagiellonian Club of Poland. Archived from the original on 11 June 2016.
  6. ^ About Bulgaria Air Archived 2008-06-22 at the Wayback Machine. Air.bg (23 September 2009). Retrieved 21 December 2010.
  7. ^ Candidate for Bulgaria Air selected – Business Archived 2016-08-08 at the Wayback Machine. The Sofia Echo (30 October 2006). Retrieved 21 December 2010.
  8. ^ a b Bulgaria Air Deal Completed – Bulgaria Archived 2016-08-08 at the Wayback Machine. The Sofia Echo (5 January 2007). Retrieved 21 December 2010.
  9. ^ a b "Bulgaria Air joined successfully [sic] IATA" (Press release). Bulgaria Air. 25 November 2008. Archived from the original on 7 February 2009. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
  10. ^ "Bulgaria Air Welcomes First Embraer 190 Jet". novinite.com Sofia News Agency. Novinite Group.com. 2019. Retrieved 21 August 2019.
  11. ^ Buyck, Cathy. "Bulgaria Air Prepares Fleet Modernization and Expansion Plan". Aviation International News.
  12. ^ "Company". bulair.bg. Archived from the original on 22 April 2017. Retrieved 21 April 2017.
  13. ^ "Авиокомпания България Ер - Membership levels". Air.bg. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  14. ^ ""CCB - BG AIR" credit card | Central Cooperative Bank". Ccbank.bg. Archived from the original on 16 April 2015. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  15. ^ "Авиокомпания България Ер - Co-branded credit card". Air.bg. Archived from the original on 31 December 2014. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  16. ^ "Какъв приятел? - Крейг Джонсън - EMG". Emg.rs. 7 June 2013. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  17. ^ "Hellenic Business Council in Bulgaria - Home page". Hbcbg.com. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  18. ^ "Авиокомпания България Ер - Новини". Air.bg. 24 February 2015. Archived from the original on 13 April 2014. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  19. ^ "Авиокомпания България Ер - Списанието". Air.bg. Archived from the original on 19 March 2015. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  20. ^ Bulgaria Air begin seasonal service from Varna to Frankfurt and Prague S24
  21. ^ Bulgaria Air. "Partners - About us". air.bg. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
  22. ^ Nowakowski, Adrian (15 May 2024). "airBaltic, Bulgaria Air Sign Codeshare Partnership". airwaysmag.com. Airways. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  23. ^ Development, Studio X. Creative / Web Design /. ""Bulgaria Air" concluded a SPA contract with the Spanish Air Europa -". Airline Bulgaria Air.
  24. ^ "Авиокомпания България Ер - News". Air.bg. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  25. ^ "Авиокомпания България Ер - Новини". Air.bg. 28 May 2014. Archived from the original on 7 December 2014. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  26. ^ Studio X Creative / Web Design Development. "Conditions". air.bg. Archived from the original on 24 October 2016. Retrieved 27 March 2017.
  27. ^ "Bulgaria Air Fleet Details". Airfleets.net. Retrieved 13 October 2024.
  28. ^ a b "Fleet". Bulgaria Air. Retrieved 13 October 2024.
  29. ^ a b "Bulgaria Air takes delivery of its first A220". www.airbus.com. 16 June 2023. Retrieved 13 October 2024.
[edit]

Media related to Bulgaria Air at Wikimedia Commons

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