Aegean Airlines to launch flights to Budapest

Despite the tough economic environment in Greece, AEGEAN continues to strengthen its international presence.

Starting from Friday, 9 March 2012, AEGEAN will offer a new direct service between Athens and the political and cultural capital of Hungary. AEGEAN will connect Athens to Budapest with 4 flights per week. The aircraft will depart every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from Athens International Airport at 09:15 and will return from Budapest International Airport at 11:05 (local time).

Dimitris Gerogiannis, Managing Director of AEGEAN stated: “We are facing a winter season with the lowest demand during Aegean Airline’s lifetime, a sharp rise in fuel prices and uncharacteristically and unnecessarily high airport fees and taxes in Athens determined by the Greek state. We have already made adjustments to our overall planning, due to low demand, but at the same remain vigilant and respond to opportunities that are compatible with our company strategy and meet the demands of the Greek tourism product.”

The flights to Budapest will be operated with the brand new AIRBUS A320, with 168 seating capacity, in dual class configuration offering a full meal and an in-flight entertainment system with six music channels without extra charges. Business class passengers will be able to enjoy improved seat comfort, a choice of meals and Greek wines, as well espresso or cappuccino. The flight schedule is designed in a way so as to offer connections from/ to the rest of Greece.

About AEGEAN

Aegean Airlines, a member of Star Alliance, is the largest Greek carrier, carrying 6.5 million passengers in 2011, the 3,52 million of those in International network. AEGEAN has been named “Best Regional Airline Europe” at the SKYTRAX 2011 World Airline Awards. Furthermore, the company has been repeatedly awarded by the Athens International Airport as the greatest contributor to the airport’s passenger volume increase. As a Star Alliance member, AEGEAN’s passengers can have increased connectivity to 1.290 destinations of Star Alliance network to 189 countries. Also, Miles & Bonus holders will collect and may use their miles to all the destinations of the 27 members of the Star Alliance. Additionally passengers who are Gold Card holders will have access to 990 lounges and other privileges around the world.

Throughout its thirteen-year course, AEGEAN has been striving in every step of the way to combine business development with contribution to the country's growth, progress and to the evolution of its people.  In the last 10 years, Aegean and its passengers have contributed to state revenues by more than 1 billion euros. In 2011 only, AEGEAN conferred to the Greek state 172 million euros.