At an event jointly organized by Athens International Airport, SKY express welcomed 2023 with the cutting of the traditional Vasilopita (Greek New Year’s Cake) and presented the key figures that SKY express achieved during 2022 following a successful course that creates value for Athens International Airport.
Compared to 2019: Total flights in 2022 were up by almost 50% coming to more than 49,000, covering 34 domestic and 24 international destinations. Passengers in 2022 almost tripled up to 3,500,000, reflecting the introduction of two AIRBUS A320neo into the fleet.
In 2022, the company's total estimated revenue more than tripled accounting to €267 million, driven by higher growth in international flights. Similarly, with the maturation of international routes, the average revenue per passenger almost doubled in 2022.
Average load factor improved by 20 percentage points during 2022, demonstrating the dynamic of the company's commercial proposal, its operational efficiency, but also contributing to the return of tourist traffic close to 2019 levels.
This organic growth of the company was followed by a strong increase in jobs that reached 619 in 2022, with 390 new hires in the four-year period 2019-2022, which includes the period of the pandemic (based on data until 31/08/2022).
In particular, it is worth noting that in 2020, despite the. pandemic with the economy being closed and its impact being overwhelming, SKY express not only showed resilience, but also proceeded with the design and implementation of its investment plan. Thus, it changed the Greek aviation market and contributed to shaping the competitive environment in the country.
International recognition
This growth is reflected in Eurocontrol data, according to which SKY express emerged as the European company with the largest increase of flight work for 2022 compared to 2019. Despite the impressive increase in its flight work, SKY express consistently served all its flights throughout the summer season 2022, (without any cancellations), contributing substantially to the development of Athens International Airport. Therefore, based on the relevant data of Athens International Airport, SKY express was ranked for the 5th consecutive year as the fastest-growing airline. In addition, from 2019 to 2022, the company has transported 5,691,609 passengers to Athens International Airport.
At the same time, thanks to Skyserv, the ground handling company of the IOGR Group, which also owns SKY express, it recorded the comparatively fewer problems, at a time that was described as very demanding for all airports in Europe.
These figures confirm the solid growth of SKY express, which is now recognised on an international level by the most dynamic organisations in the aviation industry.
A unique case study with the Google's seal
Committed to digital transformation, SKY express took advantage of Google's most advanced tools (travel insights) to achieve targeted and personalised communication to prospective travellers internationally, in the most friendly and direct way. The result of this project ranked SKY express among the top three European airlines that increased their online traffic compared to 2019. An international case study from Greece and SKY express , with the Google's seal. This innovative digital marketing strategy was recognised locally as well, winning relevant distinctions naming SKY express the “Brand of the year”.
Higher in 2023 with new investments: Addition of two Airbus A321neo to the fleet
The company is scheduled to receive its first two A321neo aircrafts in the second quarter of 2023. According to the manufacturer the A321neo model is the largest version of the A320 family.
With these two new additions to its fleet, the company actively enhances the level of social and environmental responsibility of its flight work.
- It is worth noting that the positive environmental footprint is summarised as follows:
- 5,000 tons (11,023 113 lb) lower CO 2 footprint per year per aircraft
- Approximately 50% lower noise footprint compared to previous generation Airbus
- 25% less fuel consumption/position
- Longer flight range by 500 nm / 926 km
In addition, with improved available space per passenger, the new aircraft combines ergonomics, comfort and additional storage, offering SKY express passengers an upgraded travel experience.
As Mr. Gerasimos Skaltsas, Chief Commercial Officer, SKY express stated: “By flying higher every day, SKY express will continue to lead the growth in the field of air transport, supporting the Greek economy, Greek tourism and especially the passengers by providing competitive and high quality services. The addition of our first two AIRBUS A321neo demonstrates our steady upward trend, which is constantly being shielded with new ideas, new products and skilled personnel so that we can plan our future with optimism”.
Accordingly, Ms. Ioanna Papadopoulou, Communication &; Marketing Director, Athens International Airport, stressed: “We are very pleased that together with SKY express we presented today the absolutely successful course of our excellent airline partner at Athens International Airport, as well as the certain prospects for even greater growth in 2023! SKY express is truly a unique success story for our airport, for our city and for the Greek and international aviation market. The fact that it has more than quadrupled its market share in Athens during the period 2019 – 2022, showing a triple-digit growth rate, is particularly important and acquires even greater importance and value, if we take into account that it occurred in a period of time, which was critical for aviation and tourism. This highly successful course would not have been possible without the excellent, modern and "green" aviation product, the right strategy and the enthusiastic team of the company's people who daily plan its developmental future. For our part, we reaffirm our support to our airline partner and wish SKY express every success, safe and full of flights and continuous and dynamic growth!”
Tags: Athens International Airport, SKY express
