4 Million Passengers fly with AEGEAN AIRLINES in 2005

Completing its 7th year of operation, Aegean Airlines continues to grow its market share in Greece and abroad. Its 18 jet aircraft flew 4.007.515 passengers in 2005, marking a 12,3 % increase compared to 2004. This growth is significantly larger than the 4,5% rise in traffic the International Athens Airport reported during the same time frame. It was also achieved despite the reduction of the Aegean fleet by one aircraft. Aegean now moves 22% of the overall traffic in Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” airport, from which 65 international airlines operate. It has contributed to over 50% of the airport's growth during the past three years.

In the Greek market Aegean reported an 8,6% growth in 2005, with a total of 2.788.983 passengers. Even more impressive was the growth of international flights: 21,8%, with 1.218.532 passengers in 2005.

The new, aggressive pricing policy of the company, that follows the “The sooner the cheaper” philosophy, and essentially rewards passengers who book their flights some time in advance, was the main reason for this growth. Passengers can now book flights with prices that begin from 19 euros for Greek destinations and 49 euros for international ones -including the fuel surcharge.

Overall sales for 2005 are expected to exceed 330 million Euros, an 18% growth compared to 2004. 2005 marks the third straight profitable year for the company, despite a dramatic rise in fuel prices. Its stable and healthy financial status allowed for a significant investment in new Airbus A320 aircrafts. Their delivery will commence in 2007.

Beyond the strictly quantitive results, there have also been significant improvements in the services part of Aegean Airlines operations: A reduction in waiting times at the call center and the check-in counters, a rise in ticket bookings via the internet, the introduction of the e-check-in service. Furthermore, the new cooperation initiative between Aegean Airlines and Lufthansa, that began in November 2005, is already offering more destinations and advantages for passengers who accumulate and use Lufthansa frequent flyer miles.