Aviation

Aegean Airlines, considered Greece’s most prominent domestic carrier, last month announced it was about to add two more four-engine Avro RJ 100 turbo-prop passenger aircraft to its fleet.

Even hardened skeptics see hopeful signs that a pan-European regulation for ‘single sky’ air traffic control over Europe may yet become a reality. An EU committee formed early this year to study such a possibility is expected to issue its final report before the end of the year.

Greek airline Avionic last month introduced a direct flights from Athens to the Turkish city of Smyrna. The direct flights are offered every Monday and Friday.

Olympic Airways has established a new phone line for nationwide reservations through the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization’s onephone service.

A new 4-airline alliance, SkyTeam, got off the ground recently. And besides the usual pieces forged together by partners in an alliance -common reservations, ticketing and check-in services, common frequent-flyer benefits and access to every destination flown by each airline- SkyTeam adds what it considers is missing from other airline alliances: A dedication to customer service and benefits.

Another new domestic Greek airline takes to the skies. As of next month, newly formed Cretan Airways begins flights from Crete to Athens and Thessaloniki with ATR 72 passenger planes, according to the airline’s founder, Kostas Badouvas.

Yet another new alliance of strong international airlines greets the market this month. Local representatives from Korean Air, Delta, Air France and Aeromexico are ready to visit Greek travel agents and inform them on the new “Sky Team” alliance created by the four airlines.

APG Hellas, GSA for Scenic Airlines, invites Greek public to visit the Grand Canyon.Now the general sales agent in Greece for U.S.-based Scenic Airlines, APG Hellas invites the Greek public to visit the Grand Canyon aboard the leading aerial sightseeing carrier in world.

Greece’s two biggest private carriers recently signed a cooperation agreement for all domestic flights. In essence, the code-share agreement allows passengers to board any of the carrier’s flights with tickets purchased from either airline.

Olympic Airways was selected to supply ground, cargo and fuel into-plane handling services as the new Athens International Airport at Spata.