Greek Carrier “Ellin Air” To Take Off In Late 2013

The new Greek carrier Ellin Air that will launch direct flights to Russia, is expected to begin initial operations between December 2013 and January 2014.

The airline is owned by Thessaloniki-based tour operator Mouzenidis Travel and will begin flights to Russia and other countries of the former Soviet Union.

According to reports, besides flying to countries of the former Soviet Union, the new airline hopes to expand in the Baltic countries and the neighboring Balkan countries. It has also been said that the airline will launch a connection from Thessaloniki to Prague.

Ellin Air will begin flights with two acquired ARJ-85s, set to grow to five in Spring 2014. Thereafter, three A320-200s will be leased with the overall aim of operating at least 10 aircraft in the long term.

Tour operator Mouzenidis Travel is one of the largest Greek companies working with the Russian market.

Why “Ellin Air?”

According to the Greek press, tour operator Boris Mouzenidis desired for the new airline’s name, colors and logo to refer to Greece.

The reason for choosing the particular brand name was to emphasize the Greek origin since the word “Ellen” in Ancient Greece meant “Greek.”

The brand logo of Ellinair has been designed by Greek designer Yiannis Kostidis.