Latvia-based airline Primera Air to commence flights from Riga
Starting already next year, Primera Air will commence flights form Riga to its most popular destination – Malaga.
The airline's booming growth and air travel tourism trends in the region have encouraged Primera Air to commence flights from Riga to its most popular vacation destination – the city of Malaga in Costa del Sol region in the Southern Spain. Flights will be carried out once a week throughout the summer season of 2018 using Boeing 737-800 Next-Gen aircraft with a capacity of 189 passengers. Tickets will be on sale already this August.
"Malaga is our most popular destination that we have been flying to since founding the airline in 2004. During our summer season we have as many as 17 flights a week from our hubs in Scandinavia and Iceland, with more than 250.000 passengers flown to this destination annually. Initially it was a summer-only route, but during the last years Malaga has become a year-round destination," says Primera Air VP and chief commercial officer Anastasija Višņakova.
The airline moved its headquarters to Latvia in 2014, and the last three years have turned out particularly well – Primera Air's key performance indicators have grown significantly, it has purchased 20 new aircraft and expanded its business model from charter operations serving local flights to new markets with full standard carrier services and is now getting into the transatlantic flight segment.
"Starting flights from Latvia is a crucial step for us, something we have been looking forward to ever since moving our headquarters to Latvia. Our cost base allows us to compete with such carriers as Norwegian, Ryanair, Vueling and others. We will be able to provide a very competitive product for both individual travelers and travel agencies in Latvia," A.Višņakova points out.
The Chairperson of the Riga International Airport Ilona Līce: "Riga Airport is very pleased about Primera Air's decision to commence flights from Riga. Latvia is the carrier's home country and now Riga will be among Primera Air destinations. Their new route to Malaga has been among the most requested direct routes from Riga by our passengers, and now they will be able to get to their sunny vacation spot more conveniently. We hope this is just the beginning of a fruitful mutual cooperation and Primera Air's growth in Latvia!”
As reported before, Primera Air has just signed a contract for the purchase and lease of 20 Boeing 737MAX 9 ER airliners. With its expanded fleet the company plans to revolutionize transatlantic flights from Europe to USA.