Aegean Airlines

Aegean Airlines had its roots in a small Greek VIP & business jet company called Aegean Aviation established in 1987. It took its present name in 1999 with its move into scheduled air services flying a few domestic routes. It grew rapidly as air travel became more affordable expanding routes, the size of its fleet and strategic alliances with other airlines including Air Greece, Lufthansa and TAP Portugal. It has won several awards from the European Regions Airline Association in recent years testifying to the efficient standards it holds and value for money it offers.

The Greek based Aegean airline is the second largest in its country and the first to receive awards from ERA, the representative body for regional air transport throughout Europe. It began as a first class carrier in 1987 targeting VIP travellers but started its scheduled passenger service in May 1999 to destinations within Greece. In 2001 the airline merged with Cronus Airlines and in 2005 partnered with Lufthansa to offer passengers participation in the successful Miles & More program.

Aegean Air is owned by a number of companies and individuals, with the largest percentage possessed by Vassilakis Group at 45.2%. They provide services to nearly 20 airports throughout Greece and over 20 destinations throughout Europe, in particular Germany, operating mostly from Athens, Thessaloniki and Heraklion airports.

Since the introduction of e-ticketing and e-check-in customers have been able to avail themselves of quick, easy and efficient services, cutting out the hassle and queues. Lucky customers whose domestic flights are delayed by one hour or more get a free ticket. Excellent in-flight service and clean, modern cabin interiors ensure that passengers travel in comfort. Check-in counters open 90 minutes and close 30 minutes before departure.

Recently Aegean Air have invested 800 million USD in purchasing new aircraft, including 11 Airbus A320 and eight A321. Their first service to Africa has also been introduced, offering regular flights from Athens to Cairo. The airline has been successful in ensuring passenger safety since its beginnings in the late 1980s, enhancing its proud reputation for service and safety. In 2006 the Greek airline reported an increase of 11% in customer numbers.

Today Aegean Airlines has become Greece's second largest carrier with a fleet of 25 aircraft including Airbus A320's, Boeing 737 and Learjet. Operating from its bases in Athens and Thessaloniki it flies to a wide range of Greek destinations as well as a several German cities such as Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich and Stuttgart. It's growth is centered on increasing its service to select European cities including Milan, Verona, Bucharest and Sofia. It has an innovative frequent flyer program called "Miles and Bonus" with the attractive added feature of being able to earn and redeem points with Lufthansa.