Croatia Airlines celebrated its 35th anniversary

Author  HrTurizam.hr

21. September 2024.

In the year in which the biggest project in its history began - the renewal of the entire fleet, Croatia Airlines, the Croatian national airline and member of the Star Alliance, celebrated last night in Zagreb 35th anniversary of the foundation. 

Guests of the Croatian Parliament, the Government of the Republic of Croatia, representatives of international aviation associations and organizations, many of the company's business partners from the country and abroad, and the company's employees headed by the President of the Management Board, Jasmin, participated in the special ceremony, which was held in the company's technical center at the Zagreb airport. Bajić. 

Jasmin Bajić, president of the board of Croatia Airlines, in his address to the audience, returned to the history of the Croatian airline company, which began on August 7, 1989, when Zagreb Airlines dd (Zagal), an air transport company, was entered in the register of the Commercial Court in Zagreb. Zagal started operating in December of the same year, providing the service of transporting postal items, and on July 23, 1990, it changed its name to Croatia Airlines dd and became the national airline for the transportation of passengers, goods and mail.

Passenger transport began on May 5, 1991, when the first flight in domestic traffic was made on the leased plane MD-82 on the route Zagreb - Split. A year later, on April 5, 1992, the company made its first international flight (Zagreb - Frankfurt), which began connecting Croatia with Europe and the world. 

"We recently marked these parts of our history symbolically because we made the first domestic and international commercial flight with the new Airbus A220-300 on these very lines. Believing in the strength of our wings and the expertise of our employees, and with the support of our owner, the Government of the Republic of Croatia, over the past 35 years, every mile has taken us a mile further, and by carefully planning and listening to the needs and demands of the market and our passengers, we have strengthened our presence around the world." , He said

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Photos: Jasmin Bajić, President of the Management Board of Croatia Airlines.

In the 35 years of its existence, Croatia Airlines has grown, within the European framework, into a medium-sized airline, and during that period it became a member of the most important aviation associations such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Star Alliance, the largest aviation alliance of airlines. 

"By renewing the fleet, Croatia Airlines is completely replacing the existing aircraft with new ones, which represents a significant technological breakthrough and greater energy efficiency with 25% lower fuel consumption. With the new and better quality A220 aircraft, with a capacity of 149 and 127 seats, we will ensure a better response to the specific needs of passengers and a more efficient business model, thanks to which additional opportunities will be opened in addition to the gradual expansion of the flight network. The first new Airbus A220 is included in the fleet at the end of July, and we expect the arrival of the second aircraft by the end of this year. The next six should be delivered in 2025. four in 2026, and three aircraft in 2027, when our unified (single type) the fleet should have a total of 15 new A220 aircraft and be ready for new challenges that we will gladly answer!" added the CEO of Croatia Airlines.

As a national airline, the company makes an important contribution to the development of the Croatian economy and tourism, enabling year-round connections between Croatian destinations and Croatia with the world. This season, the planes of the Croatian national airline fly directly from Croatia to 28 international destinations for a total of 50  and connect almost all Croatian airports with domestic flights.   

From the first commercial flight until today, Croatia Airlines aircraft have made more than 711.000 flights and transported more than 46 million passengers.  

Theo Panagiotoulias, Executive Director of Star Alliance, congratulated Croatia Airlines on its successful 35 years of operation, as well as on the twentieth anniversary of its membership in the most prestigious global airline association in the world.

"This year is very special for the company because it also marks 20 years of membership in the Star Alliance family. Croatia Airlines continues to be at the center of the expansion of our alliance's offer. Congratulations to all the teams, whether at the airport, at the company headquarters or in the sky. On behalf of our colleagues from Star Alliance and our member airlines around the world, we wish Croatia Airlines a happy birthday!" Panagiotoulias pointed out.

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Christian Scherer, the chief executive officer of Airbus for commercial aircraft, congratulated and confirmed Airbus' commitment to Croatia Airlines: "We are proud that Croatia Airlines has chosen the A220 for fleet renewal. The high versatility and flexibility of this aircraft, combined with a comfortable and modern passenger cabin, makes it the perfect choice for airlines covering existing regional and international routes and opening new destinations. We congratulate Croatia Airlines on its anniversary and look forward to supporting its continued success and growth in the years to come."

On the occasion of the celebration of 35 years of existence and connection of Croatia with the world, and in order to thank its passengers for their trust, Croatia Airlines offers a 20 percent discount for tickets purchased between September 22 and 15 via a promo code on all domestic and international regular lines in winter flight schedule, and all information about the above is available on the company's website www.croatiaairlinees.hr.

Photo: Croatia Airlines

Author  HrTurizam.hr

21. September 2024.