Aegean Airlines Shows Environmental Sensitivity

Aegean Airlines recently announced its contribution to the victims of the recent fires through a donation of one million euros. This amount goes towards the funding of projects aimed at the regeneration of the areas affected by the tragedy. The amount has been deposited into a special account for immediate aid.

The airline also initiated a fundraiser through its website whereby passengers that book online will have the option to donate an additional two euros for every ticket purchased. This initiative will continue for six months and, according to the company, the amount of tickets booked online “will subsequently earn a large amount of money to aid in the regeneration process of the affected areas.”

Aegean also announced it aims to cooperate with specific organizations so that its staff can participate in voluntary work for the immediate relief of fire victims as well as to help in the long-term reformation of the natural environment.

Aegean Airlines also recently completed their order for an additional six Airbus A320s that will bring its fleet up to 25 aircraft, 23 A320s and two A321s. Three new aircraft were delivered earlier this year, ten more are expected in 2008 and a full renewal of its fleet is anticipated for the start of 2010.

The new A320 aircraft will, eventually, fully replace the 15 already existing Boeing 737 300/400s of the Aegean fleet, whilst the company expects to expand its fleet by an average of two to three aircraft annually.

According to the company, the new A320 will allow “for expansion of Aegean to new international destinations, but also for the continued upgrade of services provided in both international and domestic flights.” The company outlines the advantages of the new fleet as an increase in load factor per flight, a decrease in operational costs per available seat and reduced fuel consumption.”

The A320 aircraft is designed to be environmentally friendly and through improved aerodynamics and a new low weight cabin it reduces the amount of fuel consumption and carbon emissions.