End of the Q400 turboprop era the Aegean sea celebrated a farewell ceremony a few days ago with this type of aircraft, which has almost 13 years of flight experience in the interests of the air carrier. The Q400 has been his mainstay since 2009. Olympic Air. They joined the Aegean fleet in 2013 after the acquisition of Olympic Air. It is estimated that during this period the Q400 helicopters carried about 15 million passengers, operating mainly short-to-medium haul international flights, that is, to markets that the company began to enter in the past, as well as domestic flights. The Q400 fleet has been phased out since the beginning of this year, with the last of the jets (speed, low noise, cabin comfort) leaving Aegean’s base at Spat in the coming days. The new ATR 72 and ATR 42 aircraft are operating in place of the Q400, while today Aegean serves most overseas destinations with Airbus 320 and 321, indicating a growing trend in passenger traffic and airline penetration in these countries.

The helicopter fleet of Olympic Air and Aegean consists of fourteen ATR-600s, of which the first one entered the airline in 2016, mainly serving the needs of smaller airports. Since the beginning of 2022, the company has gradually increased the number of specific aircraft that have replaced the Q400 and are part of its overall fleet replacement and modernization program, which began in 2018 with a large order for 46 Airbus 320 and 321 neo aircraft. ATRs are much better able to handle the operational problems of Greek airports as well as short flights on the domestic network. They are used by more than 200 airlines around the world on flights of the same range and performance, with 25-30% lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

“Over the past period, we have worked systematically and creatively to prepare the next day for Aegean, for our passengers and for air travel in general. We have upgraded our services and expanded our travel experience with our new air platform. We were looking for practical solutions to make our flights more sustainable. And, of course, we remain committed to our investment plan with 12 additional new Airbus 321/320neo aircraft in 2022,” said Aegean CEO Dimitris Geroyannis during the farewell ceremony for the Q400 at the airline’s El. Venizelos.”

The airline has been continuously accepting new Airbus A320/321neos since December, bringing the total number to 19. In addition, nine aircraft of the neo family will be added to the airline’s fleet in 2023. acquires improved operational characteristics, while flights become more environmentally friendly.