Croatia Airlines d.d. is the national airline and flag carrier of the Republic of Croatia. Based in Zagreb,[1] the airline is a member of Star Alliance and operates domestic and international services. Its main base is Zagreb Airport, with focus cities at Dubrovnik Airport and Split Airport.[2] In 2008 Croatia Airlines posted a net profit of 38 million Croatian kuna and transported 1,870 000 passengers (2008). [1]
[edit] History
The airline was established on 20 July 1989 as Zagal – Zagreb Airlines, and started operations using Cessna 402 aircraft on cargo services for the UPS. After the first democratic elections held in Croatia, Zagal changed its name on 23 July 1990 to Croatia Airlines[2].
In 1991 the airline signed an agreement with Adria Airways and then was able to lease a McDonnell Douglas MD-82 to start domestic jet services between Zagreb and Split. As soon as flights restarted, Croatia Airlines bought three Boeing 737s from Lufthansa and became a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). That year also saw the airline's first international route.
In 1993 two ATR 42s and two more 737s joined the fleet, offices were opened in several European cities and the company bought a travel agency, Obzor, to organize travel for groups and individuals. By 1994, Croatia Airlines had welcomed its one millionth passenger. Later that year, Pope John Paul II flew the airline on a trip to Croatia.
In 1995, another ATR 42 was welcomed, as was the two millionth passenger. In 1996, Croatia Airlines became the first airline to fly to Sarajevo. In 1997 the airline's first Airbus A320 arrived and was nicknamed Rijeka. In 1998, another first plane of a new type arrived when the airline's first Airbus A319 joined the fleet. This airplane was nicknamed Zadar. Also that year, Croatia Airlines became a member of the Association of European Airlines (AEA). By 1999, two more Airbus jets had arrived and Croatia Airlines started selling the Boeing part of their fleet. The airline flew its five millionth passenger.
In 2000 two more Airbus planes arrived and an Automated Ticketing System was inaugurated. In 2001 the airline received maintenance and technical performing certificates from the German aviation authority Luftfahrt-Bundesamt. On 18 November 2004, Croatia Airlines joined the Star Alliance.
In 2008 the airline retired its fleet of three ATR 42 short-haul aircraft (in service from 1993), to be replaced by six Bombardier Q400 aircraft, the first two of which were delivered in May and June 2008.
The airline carried its 20,000,000th passenger in July 2009,[3] and has carried over 1 million passengers annually from 2000.[4]
[edit] Destinations
Croatia Airlines serves the following destinations as at June 2009:
The Croatia Airlines fleet consists of the following aircraft (as of 17 June 2009):[5][6]
Croatia Airlines Fleet | Aircraft | Total | Order | Passengers (Business/Economy) | Routes | Notes |
| Airbus A319-112 | 4 | 4 | 132 (12/120) | Short-medium haul | Deliveries: 2012-2013 |
| Airbus A320-200 | 4 | 0 | 164 (18/146) | Short-medium haul | |
| Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 | 4 | 2 | 76 (0/76) | Short haul | Deliveries: 2010
(4 options) |
| Total: | 12 | 6 | | |
As of 3 July 2009, the average age of the Croatia Airlines fleet was 8.5 years [7].
The airline is to acquire six (with options for four more) factory new 76-seat Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 aircraft to boost its regional route network.[8] The first aircraft (registered 9A-CQA) was delivered in May 2008 and the fleet increases will continue until 2010 with all aircraft on a six year finance lease. It is part of their plan to establish Zagreb as a major regional hub.[9]
Airbus and Croatia Airlines announced on 22 October 2008 the order of four additional 132-seat A319 aircraft, to be delivered from 2012.[10]
[edit] References
[edit] External links
| Links to related articles | | | Members of the International Air Transport Association | | | | | | Asia-Pacific regional office | | | | | | | China and North Asia regional office | | | | | | | | | | Latin America and the Caribbean regional office | | | | | | | Middle East and North Africa regional office | | | | | | | North America regional office | | | | | | | Russia and the CIS regional office | | | | | | | |
