Blue Air sets sights on 18m-euro revenues

Blue Air, the low-cost airline established in December of last year, plans to reach a turnover of 18 million euros in 2005, following the introduction of new destinations (Rome, Dusseldorf and Barcelona) and the expansion of its fleet.

The company expects an increase in its occupancy rate to 80% over the summer, compared with around 62% in the first two months of operations.

“Blue Air’s goal for its first year in business is to achieve an 18 million-euro turnover,” said Gheorghe Racaru, general manager of Blue Air. Racaru, a former pilot himself, was once general manager of Tarom.

Blue Air operates flights from Bucharest’s Baneasa Airport to Bergamo (Milan), Lyon and Reus (Barcelona).

“Starting March 14 (yesterday) we are introducing the Roma-Ciampiano flight, with two more destinations – Dusseldorf and Barcelona – scheduled for introduction on March 27 when the summer schedule begins,” Racaru added.

The company’s fleet comprises two Boeing 737-300s, and after the summer season begins, will include another similar aircraft. Unlike traditional companies, with low-cost operators tickets prices can be very low, in Blue Air’s case starting from 19 euros – however, the price depends on when the tickets are booked.

Such low prices are possible because low-cost operators cut their costs to a minimum by eliminating certain services such as in-flight meals and newspapers.

“Despite the fact that we began operations at a time that is considered slow in the aviation industry, we estimate our occupancy rate in the summer season will reach 80%,” Racaru said.

The company dropped its domestic Bucharest-Timisoara connection earlier this month for “operational reasons.”

“The planes were scheduled for other routes for which approvals were received after the start of operations,” Racaru explained. georgiana.stavarache@zf.ro