Greek start-up Axon Airlines has launched services with two leased Boeing 737-700s, and is set to expand operations with up to five Boeing 717s.
The Athens-based privately owned carrier gained its air operator's certificate last month, and is initially operating services to Brussels, Milan, Paris and Rome, with two new 737-700s from German leasing company Bavaria. More destinations will be added later. Axon aims to operate in conjunction, rather than in direct competition, with other Greek airlines.
Axon had planned to expand its 737-700s to five over the next year, but is to acquire one more and introduce a smaller type - the 717-200. The 100-seat Boeing twinjet deal is believed to have been signed for five aircraft, including two from Irish lessor Pembroke Capital and three direct from Boeing.
The agreement makes Axon the second European airline to firm up plans to acquire the aircraft. Olympic Airways' regional subsidiary, Olympic Aviation, is leasing two 717s from Bavaria. Meanwhile, expanding regional Air Greece is adding its first jets, with a deal to lease two ex-Korean Air Fokker 100s from TAT Leasing. The airline operates three ATR 72s.
Source: Flight International
