The Slovenian Minister for Infrastructure, Alenka Bratušek, has said the government is evaluating a proposal by Cyprus Airways to launch operations out of Ljubljana Airport. Ms Bratušek told the country’s public broadcaster, “RTV SLO”, the airline applied to operate “quite a few destinations”, through the government’s subsidy scheme aimed at improving Slovenia’s connectivity. As previously reported by EX-YU Aviation News, Cyprus Airways held talks with the Slovenian government on three occasions last year, the last being in October. The Cypriot airline has said, “There have been talks and it’s part of our strategic plan to grow with new bases around the Mediterranean and beyond. We are open to continue discussions”.
Cyprus Airways has been attempting to play a greater role in the region by either setting up bases or providing its airline-in-a-box business concept. The airline-in-a-box concept aims to replicate the succusses Cyprus has had in replacing its bankrupt carrier with the new reincarnation of Cyprus Airways several years ago. The model is aimed either at countries whose flag carriers have gone bankrupt, or those where the national airlines are struggling. As part of the package, in markets with no carriers, clients would set up something similar to a virtual airline under its own brand, where the majority of operations would be outsourced to Cyprus Airways. The virtual carrier would benefit from Cyprus Airways’ EU Air Operator’s Certificate, as well as EASA and IOSA compliance. Apart from Slovenia, Cyprus Airways has floated the concept to the Montenegrin government as well.
Cyprus Airways currently operates a fleet of two Airbus A220-300 aircraft and two A320s. After facing bankruptcy in 2015, Cyprus Airways was revived within a year and is currently expanding its operations. The airline plans to incorporate another eight A220s into its fleet over the next four years, with ambitions to connect around thirty destinations by 2026. Currently, the carrier serves nineteen destinations across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East out of its base in Larnaca, including key cities such as Paris, Rome, Athens, Beirut, and Cairo.
