Max Kingsley-Jones/LONDON
Julian Moxon/PARIS
The launch of Greek scheduled carrier Axon Airlines is the latest in a string of developments in the country's air transport market, following the recent introduction of deregulation.
The growing band of Greek independent carriers is taking advantage of last year's lapse of the European Commission agreement giving Olympic Airways exclusive rights to serve the Greek islands.
Athens-based Axon Airlines has arranged to lease two Boeing 737-700s from Bavaria Leasing, which will be operated on scheduled services to major European cities, begining this summer. The airline aims to expand rapidly, with the 737-700 fleet growing to five aircraft by the end of the year.
While Axon will be the first airline in Greece to operate the Next Generation 737, established Greek operator Cronus Airlines has committed for two examples directly from Boeing. Cronus' firmly ordered -700 will be delivered in 2001, while an option is held on an -800 for delivery in 2003.
The Athens-based independent received a capital injection in January when Greek ferry operator Attica Enterprises purchased a majority stake, providing financial backing for expansion.
The airline operates domestic services as well as international flights to Europe, using two 737-300s and a -400. A third -300 has been delivered, while a second -400 will arrive in May as Cronus expands its network.
Scheduled start-up Aegean Aviation will take delivery of the first of five British Aerospace RJ100s in April (two of them on option). Athens-based Aegean will begin daily services to Thessaloniki (four a day), Rhodes (two), Chania (two) and Heraklion (three) on 31 May, with additional services planned as more aircraft arrive.
Meanwhile, private regional airline Air Greece is to add two Fokker 100s to its three ATR 72 turboprops this year. The Heraklion-based carrier will use the jets on primary routes between Crete, Rhodes and the Greek mainland, freeing the ATRs for an expanded network to smaller mainland cities and islands in the Aegean.
Source: Flight International
