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Aegean Airlines

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Aegean Airlines
IATA ICAO Call sign
A3 AEE AEGEAN
Founded1987 (as Aegean Aviation)
Commenced operationsMay 1999[1]
Hubs
Focus cities
[2]
Frequent-flyer programMiles+Bonus
AllianceStar Alliance
SubsidiariesOlympic Air
Fleet size34 (excl. subsidiaries)[3] 48 (incl. subsidiaries)
Destinations67
HeadquartersKifisia, Attica, Greece
Key people
RevenueIncrease €682,683,000 (2013)[4]
Net incomeIncrease €66,331,000 (2013)[4]
Websiteaegeanair.com

Aegean Airlines S.A.[6] (Template:Lang-el,[7] pronounced [aeropoˈria eˈʝeu]; LSE: 0OHY) is the largest Greek airline by total number of passengers carried, by number of destinations served and by fleet size. A Star Alliance member since June 2010, it operates scheduled and charter services from Athens and Thessaloniki to other major Greek destinations as well as to a number of European destinations. Its main hub is Athens International Airport in Athens, with a secondary hub at Thessaloniki International Airport. It also uses six other Greek airports as seasonal bases during the summer. It has its head office in Kifisia, a suburb of Athens.[8]

On October 21st 2012, Aegean Airlines announced that it had struck a deal to acquire Olympic Air,[9] and the buyout was approved by the European Commission a year later, on 9 October 2013.[10] Both carriers continue to operate under separate brands.[11] In addition, Aegean Airlines participated in the final stages of the tender for the privatization of Cyprus Airways, the national carrier of Cyprus.[12] Following the ceasing of Cyprus Airways operations by a decision of the European Commission, Aegean Airways plans to establish a hub at Larnaca Airport, thus initiating scheduled flights to and from the island to various destinations and filling the service gap created by the Cyprus Airways termination of services.

History

An Aegean Airlines British Aerospace Avro RJ100 (used 1999-2011).
Boeing 737-300 (used 2001-2010).
Aegean Airlines Airbus A320-232 (used from 2007).
Aegean Airbus A321-200, (2014)

Aegean Airlines was founded as Aegean Aviation in 1987.[13] It was originally a VIP/business air operation specialising in executive and air ambulance services. On 17 February 1992, it became the first airline to be issued with a Greek independent air operator's licence.[13] After it was bought by Vasilakis Group in 1994, Aegean Aviation commenced VIP flights from Athens all over the world with wholly owned Learjet aircraft. The Aegean Airlines name was adopted with the start of scheduled passenger services at the end of May 1999.[13]

Aegean's first commercial flights were in May 1999 from Athens to Heraklion, Crete and Thessaloniki with 2 brand-new wholly owned British Aerospace Avro RJ100. In December 1999 Aegean also bought Air Greece.[13] After an agreement in March 2001 to merge Aegean and Cronus Airlines, the company operated for a while as Aegean Cronus Airlines until full integration.[13][14] Since 2005, the airline has been in partnership with Lufthansa, offering participation in the Miles & More programme, and its flights, in addition to its A3 code also have the Lufthansa LH code.[13] In March 2006, Aegean Airlines also entered into a co-operation agreement with TAP Portugal .[13] In December 2008, Aegean Airlines announced its co-operation with Brussels Airlines.[15]

In 2009, Aegean Airlines started codeshare agreements with; bmi, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa and TAP Portugal.

As of 3 July 2014 the airline is owned by Theodoros Vassilakis (34.17% - 23.6% via Evertrans S.A. and 9.46% via Autοhellas S.A.), Alnesco Enterprises Company Limited (9.48%), Siana Enterprises Company Limited (9.48%), Konstantakopoulos Achilleas (6.39%).[16]

On 26 May 2009, the Aegean Airlines' membership application was approved by the Chief Executive Board of Star Alliance. Aegean officially joined the alliance on 30 June 2010.

Attempted merger with Olympic Air and buyout

Main article: Olympic Air

In February 2010, initial shareholder discussions took place to consider co-operation between Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air fueling rumours of a possible merger. [17] On 22 February 2010, Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines announced that they agreed to a merger.[18][19][20] The newly merged airline was to carry the Olympic brand name and logo, after a transition period in which both airline brands will be used in parallel.[18] The Aegean brand would cease to exist after the transition period. It was expected that the merger would be finalised and the new combined airline would begin operation by October 2010.[20][21]

Aegean joined Star Alliance at the end of June 2010.[18] The intent was for the merged carrier to be a Star Alliance member, despite the fact that Olympic Air was forging ties with SkyTeam pre-merger.[22] Star Alliance welcomed the proposed merger, releasing a statement stating "The integration teams from both sides will soon meet to assess the necessary steps, in order to guarantee a smooth transition of the merged Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air operations into the Star Alliance network".[23]

On 26 January 2011, the European Commission blocked the merger between the two airlines, citing anti-competition concerns.[24][25][26] The commission stated that the merger would have created a "quasi-monopoly" in Greece's air transport market, with the combined airline controlling more than 90% of the Greek domestic air transport market.[27] The EC further stated its belief that the merger would lead to higher fares for four of the six million Greek and European passengers flying to and from Athens each year,[24] with no realistic prospects that a new airline of sufficient size would enter the market to restrain the merged airline's pricing.[25] Additionally, commissioner Joaquin Almunia stated that the merger would have led to higher prices and lower quality of service for Greeks and tourists traveling between Athens and the islands.[26] Both carriers offered remedies in an attempt to ease concerns, though the EU believed that they would not be enough to protect travelers adequately and ease competition concerns.[26] One of the remedies offered by the airlines included ceding takeoff and landing slots at Greek airports, though the commission noted that Greek airports do not suffer from the congestion observed at other European airports in previous airline mergers or alliances.[24]

On October 21, 2012 Aegean Airlines announced that it had struck a deal to acquire Olympic Air, pending approval by the European Commission.On April 23, 2013, the European Commission issued a press release announcing it was starting an in-depth investigation into the proposed acquisition of Olympic Air by Aegean Airlines[28] and announcing that the Commission will have reached a decision by September 3, 2013. On August 13, 2013 it was published in the Greek media that the final decision had been delayed until October 16, 2013.[29] The merger was approved by the European Commission on October 9, 2013 citing that "due to the on-going Greek crisis and given Olympic's own very difficult financial situation, Olympic would be forced to leave the market soon in any event".

On 1 February 2014 Aegean Airlines took over every non-PSO route that was previously operated by Olympic Air.[30][unreliable source?]

Business Evolution

The table below is a summary of recent business trends of Aegean Airlines based on the company's official financial reports. In 2013, the airline reported revenues of €682.7, the highest in its history.[31] The company also returned to profit, having gained €66.3 million after taxes, also the highest gain in its history.[31] In the first nine months of 2014, Aegean reported revenues of €736.1 million (up 10% from the first nine months of 2013) and net earnings of €78.6 (up 36%) and carried 7.9 million passengers (an increase of 14% from the 6.9 million it carried in the first nine months of 2013).[32]

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Revenue (€ millions) 283.5 340.6 401.1 482.7 611.7 622.7 591.0 668.2 653.4 682.7
Net Profits/Losses after tax (€ millions) −3.6 15.0 24.6 35.8 29.5 23.0 −23.3 −27.2 −10.5 66.3
Number of employees 1,551 1,629 1,729 1,923 2,142 2,463 1,949 1,615 1,347 1,459
Number of passengers (m) 4.3 4.5 5.2 6.0 6.6 6.2 6.5 6.1 6.9
Passenger load factor (%) >70 70 70 74 79
Number of aircraft 21 23 29 33 26 29 28 30
Notes/sources [33] [34] [35] [36] [37] [38] [39] [31]

In 2009, Aeagean Airlines carried 6.6 million passengers[40] surpassing for the first time its rival Olympic Airlines, which carried 5.2 million passengers.[41] In 2010 Aegean Airlines carried 6.1 million passengers, of which 50% were foreigners.[40] In 2011 Aegean Airlines carried 6.5 million passengers of which, 54% was on international routes.

In 2012, amidst the unprecedented economic crisis for Greek tourism and the economy in general, Aegean Airlines accumulated a total of 6.1 million passengers having a sharp increase in passengers from international destinations to regional airports of Greece (Heraklion, Rhodes, Corfu, Chania) as well as Thessaloniki. Athens International Airport suffered a 6% decrease from 2011 but the airline managed to increase the load factor of its scheduled flights from 68.9% to 74.3%.[42] In 2013, the airline reported carrying 6.9 million passengers, an increase of 12% compared to 2012, with an average load factor of 79%[4] in what is the best annual results to-date.

Post-merger business prospects

2014 is first full post-merger year and current passenger predictions show just above the 10 million mark for the joined operation with Olympic Air. For 2015, Aegean Airlines have scheduled a total of 15 million seats becoming available including Olympic Air; this is two million more than of 2014, showing expectations for positive growth with more destinations than ever before, both internationally and domestically.[43] Aegean Airlines long-term business plan evolution aims for 15 million actual passengers by 2023.

Frequent-flyer Program: Miles+Bonus

Miles&Bonus was Aegean Airline's frequent-flyer program, fully integrated with other similar programs of Star Alliance. Its members earned miles on scheduled flights operated by Aegean Airlines, subsidiary Olympic Air, other Star Alliance members as well as from various partnerships including museums, hotels, car-rentals and Aegean Airlines-branded credit cards. Program members' status were determined by the accumulation of "status miles" based on the booking class and the distance flown. There are three membership levels (tiers); Blue, Silver & Gold.[44]

Since November 24th 2014, all memberships of Olympic Air's frequent-flyer program Travelair Club have been absorbed and integrated resulting to new membership program altogether.[45] The new program has been re-branded as Miles+Bonus[46] and it offers a richer, upgraded and more value-added membership experience for Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air and Star Alliance frequent flyers. The Miles+Bonus program follows the structure of its predecessor and it is also be composed by the same three membership tiers, albeit having different criteria for status tiers and miles accumulation reflecting closer ties with the other members of Star Alliance.

Lounges

Gold members of Miles+Bonus as well as passengers that travel on business class on an Aegean Airlines flight have access to the three Aegean Business Lounges in Athens, Thessaloniki and Larnaca.

Destinations

Main article: Aegean Airlines destinations

For 2015, Aegean Airlines plan to serve 134 destinations in 42 countries, including charter flights. Thirty-four of these destinations will be domestic ones, thus operating and covering the whole of Greece, especially during the peak summer season.

As of January 2015 Aegean Airlines flies to 67 destinations (scheduled flights).

Codeshare agreements

Aegean Airlines has codeshare agreements with the following airlines:[47]

Additionally, Aegean Airlines has a commercial agreement with Trenitalia.[55]

Charter flights

During summer season, Aegean Airlines operates a number of A320s, performing charter services in association with major tourist operators. The charter flights connect popular holiday destinations in Greece to Italy, France, United Kingdom, Poland, Israel, Romania, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Austria, Germany, Hungary and Ukraine.[56]

Fleet

Former Aegean Airlines Airbus A319-132 reg. SX-DGH, refueling at Athens International Airport (used from 2011).

In its history, the airline has so far made two strategic moves concerning its fleet. The first was meant to withdraw all turboprop planes from the fleet, which was accomplished in May 2004.[1] Following this, Aegean Airlines placed a large order for Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft to drastically renew the fleet with various additions of same type aircraft over the recent years.[1] As result, Aegean Airlines operates an all-Airbus fleet, currently consisting of the following aircraft.[5][57]

Aegean Airlines fleet[58]
Aircraft In Service Orders Passengers Notes
Airbus A320-200 28[5][3] 7[59] 168-174[5] One in Star Alliance livery. New deliveries due to 2015-2016, all to be equipped with sharklets.
Airbus A321-200 6[5][3] 2[60][61] 195-201[5][62]
Total 34 9

In August 2010, Aegean Airlines became the first airline to commit to upgrading its Airbus A320 family fleet with FANS-B+ datalink system offered by Airbus, which will be obligatory by February 2015 across European Airspace.[63] As of March 2014, all passenger cabins across the whole fleet are being retrofitted with brand new reclining Aviointeriors Colombus Two seats, which are thinner and lighter, also allowing the addition of an extra row.[64] Aegean Airlines expects deliveries of seven more, all brand new, Airbus A320ceo ("ceo" - current engine option) to its fleet.[65] Airbus and Aegean Airlines have agreed deliveries to start by June 2015 and be completed by early 2016. For 2015, Aegean Airlines will operate a total fleet of 56 aircraft including the ones of Olympic Air.

Further to the new additions above, it is Aegean Airlines intention to issue, within 2015, a tender to both Airbus and Boeing as part of its business plans to increase the fleet to 70 aircraft but also replacing older A320s currently in use. The expanded new fleet will enable Aegean Airlines to carry 14-15 million passengers annually. [66]

Historic fleet

Boeing 737-400 being pushed back from a gate at Munich Airport, Germany (2009, used 2001-2011).

Other than the current A320 and A321 aircraft, Aegean Airlines also operated the following types:

Aegean Airlines hangar in Athens International Airport.

Livery and branding

The "standard" Aegean Airlines livery, seen here on an Airbus A321-200.

The Aegean Airlines livery is mostly "eurowhite", featuring a thin red line towards the bottom of its planes. Above it, the fuselage is white and features the airline's name, written in the Aegean Airlines font, in dark blue. Below the red line, the fuselage is painted gray. The Aegean Airlines logo, two seagulls in front of the sun, is featured on the tail of all its aircraft. In addition to the standard livery, Aegean Airlines uses a number of non-standard liveries, such as one advertising Star Alliance as well as one celebrating the New Acropolis Museum.

Aegean Airlines livery

Awards and Industry Recognition

Aegean Airlines has received a number of awards as well as an increasing industry recognition[68] even without including and counting awards issued by individual airport authorities. Most prominent are the five Skytrax awards within a period of six years (2009 - 2014) as the Best Regional Airline in Europe.

References

  1. ^ a b c "Milestones". www.aegeanair.com. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
  2. ^ "With a total of 158 international routes and 7 bases in Greece and 1 in Cyprus, Aegean Airlines is a key pillar of the Greek tourism". aegeanair.com. Retrieved 28 October 2013.
  3. ^ a b c "Aegean Airlines Fleet Details and History". Planespotters.net. Retrieved 22 July 2014.
  4. ^ a b c "Strong Performance in International, Profitability and planned Acquisition Synergies contribute to increased ability to support growth". www.aegeanair.com. 4 March 2014. Retrieved 19 March 2014.
  5. ^ a b c d e f "Blue Magazine". www.aegeanair.com. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
  6. ^ Όροι και Γνωστοποιήσεις (in Greek). Retrieved 12 November 2013.
  7. ^ "Headquarters." Aegean Airlines. Retrieved on 22 February 2010. "Aegean Airlines Headquarters 31, Viltanioti Str. 145 64, Kifisia, Athens, Greece" Address in Greek: Βιλτανιώτη 31 145 64, Κηφισιά, Αθήνα
  8. ^ Young, Kathryn M. (22 October 2012). "Aegean strikes deal to acquire Olympic Air". www.atwonline.com. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
  9. ^ George Georgiopoulos, Foo Yun Chee (9 October 2013). "Aegean Airlines wins EU approval to buy Olympic Air". www.reuters.com. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
  10. ^ "AEGEAN: European Commission's approval of the acquisition of Olympic Air allows the creation of a viable, dynamic Greek carrier". www.aegeanair.com. 9 October 2013. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
  11. ^ "Aegean, Ryanair asked to submit plans for Cyprus Airways".
  12. ^ a b c d e f g "Milestones". Aegean Airlines. en.aegeanair.com. Retrieved 4 February 2009.
  13. ^ "Directory: World Airlines". Flight International. 27 March 2007. p. 45.
  14. ^ Georgiopoulos, George (2 December 2008). "Greece's Aegean Air to grow routes despite downturn". Reuters. Retrieved 29 May 2013. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  15. ^ "ΑΡΑΙΓ: Μέτοχοι με ποσοστό άνω του 5%". Retrieved 3 July 2014.
  16. ^ "Olympic Air and Aegean Air mulling cooperation". 11 February 2010.
  17. ^ a b c Georgiopoulo, George (22 February 2010). "UPDATE 3-Greek carriers Aegean, Olympic agree merger". Reuters. Archived from the original on 29 March 2010. Retrieved 22 February 2010. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  18. ^ Staff (22 February 2010). "Aegean, Olympic Air Announce Merger". Capital.gr. Archived from the original on 30 March 2010. Retrieved 23 February 2010. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  19. ^ a b Staff (22 February 2010). "Greek airlines agree merger: statement". AFG. Retrieved 23 February 2010. [dead link‍]
  20. ^ Staff (22 February 2010). "Greek airlines merge". CTV. Retrieved 23 February 2010.
  21. ^ Staff (23 February 2010). "Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air to merge". Retrieved 23 February 2010.
  22. ^ Bruce, Michael (23 February 2010). "Greek merger" (PDF). travelweekly.com.au. p. 3. Archived from the original (PDF) on 31 March 2010. Retrieved 29 May 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  23. ^ a b c Staff (26 January 2011). "Olympic Air and Aegean merger is blocked by EU". BBC Online. Archived from the original on 27 January 2011. Retrieved 26 January 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  24. ^ a b Torello, Alessandro (26 January 2011). "EU Blocks Greek Airlines' Merger". Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on 4 February 2011. Retrieved 26 January 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  25. ^ a b c Chee, Foo Yun (26 January 2011). "EU blocks Olympic/Aegean merger, says anti-competitive". Reuters. Retrieved 26 January 2011.
  26. ^ Reals, Kerry (26 January 2011). "EC blocks Aegean/Olympic merger on monopoly grounds". Flight International. Archived from the original on 29 January 2011. Retrieved 26 January 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  27. ^ EUROPA - PRESS RELEASES - Press Release - Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into proposed acquisition of Olympic Air by Aegean Airlines. Europa.eu. Retrieved on 2013-08-20.
  28. ^ "Competition Commission puts off Olympic-Aegean merger decision until Oct 16". ekathimerini.com. 13 August 2013. Retrieved 17 January 2014.
  29. ^ http://airlineroute.net/2013/12/18/a3oa-feb14/
  30. ^ a b c "Annual Financial Report 2013" (PDF). www.aegeanair.com. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
  31. ^ "Nine-Month 2014 Results". Aegeanair.com. 27 November 2014. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  32. ^ "Annual Financial Report 2006" (PDF). www.aegeanair.com. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
  33. ^ "Annual Financial Report 2007" (PDF). www.aegeanair.com. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
  34. ^ "Annual Financial Report 2008" (PDF). www.aegeanair.com. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
  35. ^ "Annual Financial Report 2009" (PDF). www.aegeanair.com. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
  36. ^ "Annual Financial Report 2010" (PDF). www.aegeanair.com. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
  37. ^ "Annual Financial Report 2011" (PDF). www.aegeanair.com. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
  38. ^ "Annual Financial Report 2012" (PDF). www.aegeanair.com. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
  39. ^ a b "Annual Reports". Aegeanair.com. 27 January 2009. Retrieved 16 July 2011.
  40. ^ "• Προβολή θέματος – Επιβατική κίνηση -last update: ΦΕΒΡΟΥΑΡΙΟΣ 2009". Airliners.gr. 7 January 2008. Retrieved 5 May 2009.
  41. ^ "2012 Results". www.aegeanair.com. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
  42. ^ "Aegean 2015 network". www.aegeanair.com. Retrieved 21 November 2014.
  43. ^ http://www.newmilesandbonus.com/en/#milesbonus-tiers
  44. ^ https://www.olympicair.com/en/Travelair/Info/Travelair
  45. ^ "Miles+Bonus webpage".
  46. ^ "Code-share partnerships". aegeanair.com. Retrieved 28 October 2013.
  47. ^ L, J (5 August 2014). "Aegean Airlines / airBaltic Begins Codeshare Service from August 2014". Airline Routes. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
  48. ^ http://airlineroute.net/2014/05/27/aca3-codeshare-may14/
  49. ^ "Aegean Airlines and EGYPTAIR sign new Code-Share Agreement". aegeanair.com. 15 October 2013. Retrieved 28 October 2013.
  50. ^ "Aegean Airlines | Nέο δρομολόγιο της Αegean Αirlines προς το Abu Dhabi και έναρξη πτήσεων κοινού κωδικού με την Etihad Airways". El.aegeanair.com. Retrieved 17 January 2014.
  51. ^ https://twitter.com/airlineroute/status/498911682622939136
  52. ^ Aegean Airlines / Olympic Air launches Reciprocal Codeshare service | Airline Route – Worldwide Airline Route Updates. Airlineroute.net (2011-07-14). Retrieved on 2013-08-20.
  53. ^ https://www.amadeus.net/tools/timetables
  54. ^ http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=934e1f46d2496410VgnVCM1000008916f90aRCRD
  55. ^ Aegean Airlines | Charter Services | Charter Flights & Airplanes. En.aegeanair.com. Retrieved on 2013-08-20.
  56. ^ Aegean Airlines Fleet | Airfleets aviation. Airfleets.net. Retrieved on 2013-08-20.
  57. ^ "Fleet". www.aegeanair.com. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
  58. ^ http://en.aegeanair.com/all-about-us/press-office/press-releases/press-release/?prid=489
  59. ^ http://www.planespotters.net/Airline/Aegean-Airlines
  60. ^ http://www.airliners.gr/el/sx/1428.html
  61. ^ http://www.aviointeriors.it/news-press/item/315-aviointeriors-delivers-the-first-three-a321-shipsets-of-columbus-two-to-aegean-airlines
  62. ^ "Aegean commits to FANS-B+ upgrade for A320s". ATW Online. 16 August 2010. Retrieved 29 May 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  63. ^ http://www.aviointeriors.it/news-press/item/315-aviointeriors-delivers-the-first-three-a321-shipsets-of-columbus-two-to-aegean-airlines
  64. ^ http://www.airbus.com/presscentre/pressreleases/press-release-detail/detail/aegean-airlines-adds-two-additional-aircraft-to-its-previous-a320ceo-order/
  65. ^ "Aegean Airlines to issue RFP to Airbus and Boeing in 2015".
  66. ^ http://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/34368-greeces-aegean-phases-out-last-a319s
  67. ^ "Awards". www.aegeanair.com. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
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