The market for low-cost airlines, already in full swing in Europe, is now beginning to take hold in Romania, albeit rather slowly. The only airline to offer cheap flights so far, Volare Romania, is on the brink of closing its Romania business, while a different company has announced the launch of its business.
At a time when foreign companies find it difficult to enter the Romanian market, local companies are spotting opportunities. The newest player to enter the market is Blue Air, a Romanian company that will start flying out of Bucharest Baneasa Airport in December of this year. The main shareholder in the company is Nelu Iordache, who is believed to be the owner of the Romstrade construction firm.
“Blue Air has prepared an initial plan for market entry that will be implemented over a two-year period. The process of establishing routes and obtaining a position on the market is in sync with the company’s aim of being able to cope successfully with common market pressures. The first stage of the plan will begin in December with three European and one domestic destination: Barcelona (Reus), Milan (Bergamo), Lyon and Timisoara. Very soon we will approach the German market as well, but this will only be possible after supplementing our fleet,” explained Ruxandra Brutaru, a marketing manager with Blue Air.
Volare Romania is likely to cease its operations in Romania due to difficulties faced by the Italian parent company. According to Forbes magazine, Volare suspended flights last week due to worsening financial troubles.
georgiana.stavarache@zf.ro