Bulgaria Air is considering its next move as the airline seeks to modernise its fleet. According to the Bulgarian national flag carrier’s CEO Yanko Georgiev, a decision on which aircraft the airline will choose may happen this summer.
When talking to AIN online, Georgiev said: “Negotiations are on-going with at least two providers of single-aisle aircraft.” “We would like to evolve to a single type fleet to achieve cost reductions and optimize processes like pilot training and maintenance.”
Currently, the privately-owned airline operates a fleet of four Embraer E190s and six Airbus A319/320s on a network of 22 destinations in Europe, Russia, and the Middle East.
Georgiev added: “The aim is to grow the fleet to possibly 15 narrow-bodied aircraft over the next four to five years”
An increase in aircraft would support the planned growth of Bulgaria Air on scheduled flights and help to expand its Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance (ACMI) business along with charter operations.
“Our passenger traffic has been growing on average by three to four percent per year since the privatisation of the company and we anticipate continuing this growth. Bulgaria is becoming more attractive for tourists and the country’s economy is growing as well,” stated Georgiev. Despite nearly all short and medium-haul airlines cutting back on their services, Bulgaria Air operates retains a full-service business model, something that Georgiev was keen to point out saying:
“We are one of the few European airlines still offering a full-service on-board on short and medium-haul flights.”
With the 737 MAX out of the running, and Embraer’s E-jet family not being considered either, only Airbus is the likely choice.
Georgiev is all too aware how the Airbus A220 has revolutionised narrow-body aircraft market. As Bulgaria Air continues to operate a full-service airline, the A220 offers wider than normal seats, larger windows and more room in the overhead bins, making it appear like a wide-body jet.
Compared to other aircraft of its type, the A220 is extremely fuel-efficient and has a range of 3,700 miles, which is more than enough to cover the Bulgaria Air network.
