Annual traffic
Zagreb airport is Croatia’s busiest airport and last year passed through the two million passenger mark for the first time. Promoting itself as “Gateway to Southeast Europe” the airport recorded double-digit growth for a fourth successive year resulting in a passenger increase of 50% in just four years. Growth has been remarkably consistent in recent years with traffic only declining in 1999.
The airport’s seasonality profile follows a traditional European city profile with a peak in July. The effect of Easter’s shift into March in 2008 can clearly be seen. The seasonality of other Croatian airports is much more extreme reflecting their role as gateways to coastal resorts.
Airline |
Frequency share |
Capacity share |
Number of routes |
|---|
Croatia Airlines |
59.3% |
66.4% |
17 |
Lufthansa |
9.7% |
7.8% |
2 (FRA, MUC) |
Germanwings |
4.8% |
6.3% |
3 (CGN, STR, SXF) |
Austrian |
5.5% |
3.5% |
1 (VIE) |
Turkish Airlines |
2.4% |
3.4% |
1 (IST) |
Air France |
4.8% |
3.1% |
1 (CDG) |
The national flag carrier Croatia Airlines dominates traffic at the airport and this summer will operate non-stop to 17 destinations giving it two-thirds of all scheduled traffic at the airport. Lufthansa and its partner low-cost airline Germanwings are the next two biggest airlines operating a total of five routes to Germany. Other airlines operating scheduled services this summer include Malev, Wizz Air, Aeroflot, CSA Czech Airlines and TAP Portugal. TAP’s service is to Bologna which then continues on to Lisbon. Wizz Air, the only LCC other than Germanwings with a presence at the airport, operates a single route daily to London Luton.
Analysis of schedule data for this summer reveals that Germany has the most flights and seat capacity. Domestic services are operated by Croatia Airlines to Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar.
Croatia Airlines is present in nearly all of the leading markets except Hungary and Turkey where Malev and Turkish Airlines have a monopoly. Surprisingly there are no flights to either Rome or Milan although regional links continue to grow within the former Yugoslavia. In June Croatia Airlines began 3 weekly regional services to both Priština and Podgorica. Spain is currently unserved though this will change when Croatia Airlines starts flights to Barcelona in June and Iberia launches Madrid services in July. Other new routes starting this summer include Gothenburg (3 times per week with Croatia Airlines) and Tel Aviv (weekly with El Al subsidiary Sun D’Or from April 15). However, routes to Dortmund (with Germanwings), Dusseldorf (with Croatia Airlines) and Geneva (with Baboo) which have started during the last two years appear to have been axed, or in the case of Geneva have ceased at the end of the 2008/09 winter season.
No need to hurry - your flight has been delayed
Statistics regarding airline punctuality (on time departure, arrival and flight regularity) have been published for 32 European airlines among which are the 3 leading carriers from the former Yugoslavia – Croatia Airlines, Jat Airways and Adria Airways. All three airlines have nothing to be proud of being in the bottom half for most of the categories. When it comes to on time departures (these are flights which arrive on time or within 15 minutes of the scheduled arrival time) Croatia Airlines is the worst offender with only 66.1% of its flights arriving on time. This means Croatia Airlines is ranked 29th out of 32 companies. Jat and Adria performed better than its Croatian counterpart with Jat having 71.5% of its flights on time (ranked 23rd) and Adria with 70% of its flights running on time (or a rank of 24). Interestingly SAS Scandinavian Airlines has most of its flights landing on time and is ranked number 1.
When it comes to on time departures the 3 EX-YU carrier line up one after the other. Adria ranks 24th (with 74.4% of flights on time), Jat Airways 25th (with 74.3% of flights on time) and Croatia Airlines (26th with 71.2% of flights on time). TAROM Romanian Airlines is the best performer when it comes to on time departures, coming in at first position.
Regularity measures the percentage of planned flights which are actually operated. A flight may be cancelled due to bad weather, for technical reasons or other operational constraints. Any change in schedule up to 3 days before the planned day of operation is taken into consideration. Here, Adria Airways is an example to other carriers with 99.8% regular flights (ranked 4th). Jat Airways and Croatia Airlines are a distant 22nd (98.2%) and 25th (97.2%) respectively. Once again Romania’s TAROM comes in front when it comes to regularity with a spotless 100% record in 2008.
All of the data provided is for the months of January to December 2008.
Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport - Terminal 2
Despite the global financial crisis Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport finished the year on a high. It managed to have slightly higher passenger numbers at the end of the year but more importantly it achieved a 14.3 million Euro net profit last year, up from 4.5 million Euros in 2007. Officials forecast that by the end of 2009 Belgrade Airport will operate with a profit of 16.9 million Euros, which would also be a significant increase in one of the toughest years, economically, since World War Two. The current annual capacity at the airport’s two terminals stands at 5 million with Terminal 1 expected to become the Schengen terminal (inter-EU travel) in the next decade.
Belgrade Airport is still state-owned and it awaits privatisation as the government intends to partly apply a voucher privatisation, under which millions of Serbian citizens would receive, free of charge, a portion of the shares of Nikola Tesla Airport and four other major state-owned enterprises. The move has been repeatedly postponed despite a completed registration of eligible beneficiaries, who would later be able to trade the stocks on the Belgrade stock exchange.
Adria Airways flight crew have a reson to smile
Due to excellent results in 2008, Slovenia’s Adria Airways has gained the title of Europe’s fastest growing airline in 2008, managing to beat 31 other airlines including carriers such as Lufthansa, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, SAS, Ibearia and other major international carriers which expand on a daily level. Adria had a 16.7% growth rate in passenger figures in 2008 in front of second placed Ukrainian AeroSvit Airlines, which grew 16.5% and B&H Airlines’ new owner – Turkish Airlines, which managed third place with a 15.6% growth rate.
In the last month of 2008 most European airlines saw a large drop in passenger numbers, with the Greek Olympic having the largest drop of 20%. Adria did well with only a 1.3% drop while the two other members from the former Yugoslavia that are part of the AEA (Association of European Airlines), Croatia Airlines and Jat Airways had mixed results. Croatia did extremely well managing to become one of the rare European airlines to have a rise in passenger numbers in December 2008 of 8.3%. Jat Airways saw a hefty drop of 10%.
Adria’s good results can be partially thanked due the Slovenian 6 month presidency over the European Union, which saw business travel drastically increase. The results for January 2009 are expected to be very bad for Adria which is why the airline has still not announced their figures for the first month of the year. The only 2 airlines from the former Yugoslavia which have announced their January 2009 results are Jat Airways and Montenegro Airlines. The Association of European Airlines recently announced that the number of passengers transported by its 32 member companies was down 5.4 million in 2008 to 366 million, marking the first retreat during an economic crisis. The AEA said over the last 25 years, the figures had only decreased when the nuclear power plant melted down in Chernobyl and after the September 11 attacks.
Croatia, Jat or Adria in 2009?
Currently 3 airlines from the EX-YU region stand in front of all the other carriers and are competing to become the “regional leader” with the largest number of passengers transported. These three airlines are Croatia Airlines (2008 winner), Serbia’s Jat Airways (second placed) and Adria Airways (closely behind Jat in third position). 2009 will be particularly competitive as most carriers in the world are suffering significant losses, both financially and passenger wise. This is why the January 2009 figures will be extremely significant and a good indication of what 2009 holds for the three carriers.
In 2008 Croatia Airlines transported a record 1.87 million passengers, which is 9% greater than in 2007. The largest increase in passengers was seen on international services where 15% more passengers travelled than in 2007, meaning 1.21 million passengers travel internationally on Croatia Airlines. On domestic services a total 543.000 passengers chose Croatia Airlines, 11% more than in 2007. Croatia Airlines charter flights recorded 116.300 passengers. The cabin occupancy stood at 65.2%, an increase of 0.3% compared to last year. Croatia Airlines is likely to win 2009. The carrier hopes it will reach 2 million passengers this year however there is turbulence ahead. The global financial crisis could see a large decrease in tourist travel. During the summer months Croatia Airlines transports most of its annual passengers and makes the greatest profit. This is why Croatia Airlines is uniting with the Croatian Tourism Organisation so a downturn in visitors is avoided. Croatia Airlines’ most important month will be August and could be a good indication if the carrier will have fewer passengers by the end of December when compared to 2008.
Jat Airways transported a total of 1.36 million passengers in 2008, an increase of 4% compared to last year. However in December 2008 Jat recorded a drop in passenger numbers and could potentially lose its silver medal position in 2009 to Adria Airways. The carrier has started a major campaign to increase passenger numbers in January and February by heavily discounting ticket prices to regional destinations. If the airline stabilises by the start of the summer season in March, Jat could see greater passenger numbers. Significant international events to be held in Serbia this year (including the world’s largest sporting event of 2009) could provide the necessary boost but January figures could be a good indication of what is in store for Jat in 2009.
Slovenia’s Adria Airways saw the greatest increase in passenger numbers in 2008 when compared to 2007. It transported a total of 1.3 million passengers, 16% more than in 2007. Cabin occupancy stood at 66%. Adria saw a large increase in passenger numbers from January to June last year because it took over the presidency of the European Union during this period, which increased business travel. This is why these first 6 months of the year will indicate if Adria can sustain these passenger figures without the EU presidency. Adria’s financial results during 2009 could also have an impact on services during the year which could potentially bring in or turn away passengers.
Note: Visit tomorrow to read details about Jat’s new flights to Abu Dhabi
Fewer costs in 2009?
Although a leader in passenger numbers, Croatia Airlines’ losses have doubled in 2008 when compared to 2007. The airline has carefully planned new measures to decrease costs. The Croatian carrier has also mapped out two possible outcomes for 2009, one of which (the optimistic one) would see passenger numbers rise. In 2008 fuel costs have increased the most when compared to 2007 making it the airline’s largest expenditure. Croatia Airlines spent 11 million Euros more than in 2007 for fuel. The airline fears that the global financial crisis and the downturn in global aviation could have a negative impact on the carrier. The airline’s first scenario predicts that the price of crude oil will stabilise at USD 75 per barrel which would allow the carrier to introduce new services to Barcelona and Gothenburg in early June as well as introduce 2 new Bombardier Dash8-Q400s to its fleet this spring. This scenario also predicts that the Croatia Airlines fleet will spend more time in the skies, increasing total flying time by 7%. The airline hopes that over 2 million passenger will use Croatia Airlines in 2009.
The less optimistic scenario sees the negative impacts of the global financial crisis and the effect it could have on Croatia Airlines. The negative scenario predicts that less passengers will want to travel in 2009 and as a result seats on the carrier’s aircraft will be empty. In this case the airline will suspend the 2 new destinations in its network and would delay the arrival of its 4 Airbus A319 order with a possibility to delay the 2 upcoming Dash8s. Every year carries its own surprises and results will be published on the blog when they are released.
8 million Euro fleet upgrade planned
The Slovenian flag carrier Adria Airways has called on existing shareholders to buy up shares offered as part of an offer aimed at raising 4 million Euros in cash. The company is planning to sell nearly 122.000 shares at 32 Euros a share as part of a new issue. The money will be used to upgrade its fleet. The new shares have been offered to existing shareholders proportional to their existing stakes. Together the state-run Pension Fund Management (KAD) and Restitution Fund (SOD) currently own nearly 90% of the company. The shareholders have until January 23 to sign up. If they decide not to buy the new shares, they will be made available to the other shareholders.
Adria plans to invest as much as 8 million Euros in its fleet in 2009. It is currently adding two 90 seat Bombardier Canadair Regional Jets 900 to its fleet, thereby expanding it to 14 aircraft. Adria's passenger numbers have been rising dramatically in recent years. In 2008, the airline carried nearly 1.3 million passengers, 15% more than in 2007. However, the carrier has forecast a stagnation in passenger numbers for this year due to the economic slowdown. Adria says it has finished 2008 with an operating profit of 1.9 million Euros, a drop of 62% compared to the year before. It blamed the fall in profit on the high fuel prices.
Passenger growth recorded in 2008
In 2008 Serbia’s national carrier Jat Airways transported 1.360.940 passengers, 2.829 tonnes of cargo and 582 tonnes of mail on 21.603 flights. Compared to 2007, the number of passengers increased by 4%, the quantity of cargo dropped 13% continuing the downward trend present since 2006, while the amount of mail increased by 7%. The Cabin Load Factor (CLF) stood at 64%, or two percentage points up on the 2007 level, while the Weight Load Factor (WLF) rose by 2%. In 2008, Jat Airways fleet logged 38.304 block hours. The average daily number of block hours for the entire fleet was 9:23 block hours, 3% higher than in 2007. The B737-300 fleet recorded the highest number of flight hours - 10:23 block hours, the B737-400 aircraft logged an average 8:29 block hours, while the ATR72 aircraft average stood at 7:39 block hours.
However Jat has seen sliding passenger numbers in the last few months of 2008. It hopes that events which are scheduled to be held across Serbia in 2009 will boost passenger numbers. These include the first Belgrade ATP tennis tournament, FEST International film festival, The Universiade Olympic Games (sponsored by Jat), EXIT music festival and the Guča trumpet festival, also sponsored by Jat.
Meanwhile there has been some bad news as another aircraft in the Jat Airways fleet has been grounded – an ATR72. Jat has leased an Aviogenex B737-200 in order to fend off any disruption to its schedule. Serbia’s Minister for Infrastructure has again repeated yesterday that major change is coming for the airline and that Jat will always be Serbia’s national carrier.
The aviation industry was hard hit by the global economic crisis in 2008, especially in its last three months which can be seen in the passenger figures. Airports saw fewer passengers in October, November and December compared to last year. Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport had the largest passenger volume out of all the airports situated in the EX-YU republics however due to the declining passenger numbers, in the last few months it struggled to make a large increase compared to last year. Its best performing month was May with passenger numbers increasing by 20% compared to 2007 as press and visitors arrived for the Eurovision Song Contest. Ljubljana saw passenger numbers rise in the first 6 months of 2008 as the country took over the presidency of the European Union, and at the end of the year had a positive result. Other airports have seen moderate increases in passenger numbers. Zadar Airport saw the largest increase in passengers due to the arrival of low-cost airlines. Skopje Airport’s strong results in the first half of 2008 managed to withstand sliding passenger numbers since September and therefore deliver a good result as Macedonia's largest airport. Tivat Airport managed to withstand the pressure of no longer being allowed to handle summer charters (rerouted to Podgorica) and was able to see an increase in passengers. A table of major airports and their passenger numbers can be found below. Some airports and government transportation ministries are yet to publish results and once they are available they will published on the Source : EXYU aviation news : http://exyuaviation.blogspot.com blog. Most results have been rounded up to the nearest hundred.
Airport |
Passengers 2007 |
Passengers 2008 |
Change |
|---|
Belgrade Nikola Tesla |
2.513.000 |
2.650.000 |
+5% |
Dubrovnik |
1.144.000 |
1.200.000 |
+5% |
Ljubljana Jože Pučnik |
1.524.000 |
1.700.000 |
+11% |
|
Split |
1.164.000 |
1.171.100 |
+1% |
Priština |
1.120.000 |
1.200.000 |
+7% |
Pula |
377.300 |
400.000 |
+6% |
Podgorica |
N/A |
500.000 |
N/A |
Rijeka |
169.300 |
109.700 |
-32% |
Sarajevo |
505.200 |
600.000 |
+19% |
Skopje |
626.000 |
700.000 |
+12% |
Split |
1.190.000 |
1.200.000 |
+1% |
Tivat |
573.900 |
600.000 |
+4% |
Zadar |
119.450 |
160.000 |
+34% |
| Zagreb | 1.992.000 |
2.200.000 | +10% |
Steep financial decent in 2009?
Montenegro Airline will request funds from the government in 2009 if the global financial crisis takes its toll on the carrier. Cost cutting measures have already been implemented including pay decreases for all employed and the in-flight catering which has been simplified. A decrease in the number of bookings was felt by the Montenegrin national carrier in the last 2 months of 2008. The management will decide soon if they will need government subsidiaries to weather the crisis. During 2008 Montenegro Airlines served 500.000 passengers, a 17.2% increase compared to 2007. The carrier also ended 2008 with a profit of 55 million Euros. Montenegro Airlines CEO, Zoran Đurišić, said, “2008 will be remembered as one of the most difficult years in the aviation industry due to the high price of oil. Montenegro Airlines payed 17 million for oil instead of the planned 9 million”. This means that 42% of all expenditure went on the purchase of oil. The next Embraer aircraft for Montenegro Airlines will arrive in May while the third one should arrive in February or March 2010, depending on the global crisis.
There are also fears how Montenegro as a country will financially survive 2009 after the country’s government rejected all proposals by the International Monitory Fund (IMF) in formulating its 2009 budget. The IMF warns Montenegro could go bankrupt.
Crisis in Adria? Not in 2008
Slovenian flag carrier Adria Airways expects an operating profit of 1.9 million Euros in 2008 despite the global economic crisis that the aviation industry has been caught in. This is a good million less than in 2007, although the number of passengers is expected to increase by 17% to 1.3 million by the end of 2008, while European growth is four times lower. High oil prices cost the company an additional 11 million Euros, the flag carrier wrote in a press release after the session of the company's management and supervisors last Friday. Adria's income will exceed 200 million Euros, which is 13% more than in 2007 and 5% above the estimated levels. The company retained operational liquidity throughout the year, while cash flow will finish at 32 million Euros, the press release says. The supervisors confirmed
the plan for 2009, which forecasts no increase in the number of passengers due to the financial crisis. The management presented additional measures, which it is preparing to rationalise operations in order to achieve a positive result despite the expected recession, the company wrote.
In the first eleven months of this year Adria Airways carried more than 1.231.531 passengers, which is 16% more than in the same period last year. The total number of flights was also up by 15% – scheduled flights by 16% and charter flights by 11%. In scheduled services, the most important sector, Adria operated 16% more flights in the first eleven months of this year and carried 1.036.435 passengers, which is 18% more compared to the same period last year. Passenger growth in the second half of the year, if compared it to the first half of 2008, shows that the effects of the recession are already being felt, since growth is slowing down and is over 6% lower than it was at the beginning of the year, when higher growth could be attributed to Slovenia's EU Presidency. The passenger load factor has remained practically unchanged and stands at over 66% despite the fact that Adria is now operating larger aircraft. A new CRJ900, Adria's third, is due to join the fleet in the coming weeks. Adria ends the year in third position compared to other national carriers from EX-YU, behind Croatia Airlines and Jat Airways.
From January 1 until December 9, 2008, the Serbian national carrier, Jat Airways, transported 1.307.847 passengers attaining this result 22 days earlier than in 2007, when 1.306.301 passengers were carried. Thus, Jat recorded a 5% rise in the number of passengers for this period. Jat Airways aircraft in the January to November period of 2008 logged 35.796 block hours, 1% up on the planned levels and 1% higher than last year's levels. The entire fleet's average daily number of flight hours for the eleven months in 2008 stood at 9:22 block hours (1% over the planned levels), that is 2% higher than the same period last year. The company's priority in the coming period is to enhance regional traffic. In this way, Jat hopes to realise one of its strategic goals – restoring its position as the leading regional carrier. However this title will go to Croatia Airlines in 2008 which will have the most transported passengers. Meanwhile Jat is recording its best passenger results since 1991. Slovenia’s Adria Airways will finish the year in third position, despite an excellent start to the year, when compared to other national carriers from the EX-YU region.
Jat Airways CEO, Saša Vlaisavljević has delivered an end of year message to all “passengers, friends and business partners” of Jat. In his message he analyses the difficult 2008 and gives an outlook for 2009. Vlaisavljević is expected to leave Jat in the following months. EX-YU Aviation blog publishes the complete content of his message below:
Dear Passengers,
I’m pleased to inform you that that in the preceding year Jat Aiways has successfully reached one of the company’s key priorities – enhancing regional traffic. By establishing air traffic to Croatia last summer, renewing former lines and increasing the frequency of existing lines, Jat has approached one of its strategic goals – restoring its leadership in regional air traffic. Despite the difficulties faced by the air industry on a global level, the measures we have undertaken as the Serbian national carrier over the past 3 years have led to a record increase in passenger numbers. For instance, Jat’s millionth passenger in 2008 was recorded as early as September 3, and Jat has transported 1.216.424 passengers in the first 10 months of this year – the largest number since 1991. The company is already working on the 2009 summer timetable and plans to step up charter traffic by an additional 15%, although in 2008 we have already attained a record increase of over 20%.
In keeping with the company’s imperative to continually improve services for our passengers and to strive to equal the world’s top carriers, Jat introduced electronic booking in 2007, and as of May 10, 2008 has begun issuing electronic tickets. Soon you will be able to join our new Loyal Passengers Club called Flying Dots and obtain information about all our promotional rates by accessing http://www.jat.com/. Along with sincere wished to passengers, business partners and friends of Jat for a successful 2009, I would like to promise in addition to the already considerably improved offer, you will soon discover a series of other amenities when flying by Jat worldwide. The main goal Jat has set in 2009 is to remain a modern, competitive, flexible and stable airlines.
Saša Vlaisavljević
Each year British Airways, the national airline of the United Kingdom, through its quality control department, releases a list of airports and handling agents whose performance of working tasks have significantly contributed to the realisation of targeted goals in this industry. Upon a detailed review of all the flights taken through the Sarajevo Airport in respect of the ground handling of aircraft, passengers and baggage, as well as a inspections conducted by authorised experts of this reputable carrier, Sarajevo International Airport was given the Gold Award for Best Performing Airport in the 2007/08 winter season. This is just another, like many previous awards the staff of Sarajevo International Airport have received. The airport states that this award puts pressure on staff to keep such level of quality in the future, providing to the utmost secure and reliable services to its customers. Ironically the British carrier has ceased services from London to the Bosnian capital.
Serbia’s national air carrier, Jat Airways, has reported good results in the first 11 months of this year despite the airline’s major financial troubles. From January to the end of November Jat Airways carried 1.289.242, which is a 5.4% rise compared to last year. The Cabin Load Factor (CLF) stood at 64%, which is a 2% increase. The Weight Load Factor (WLF) also rose by 2%. Traffic bound for Montenegro, Jat’s biggest market after Serbia, recorded a 3% increase in passenger numbers, while cargo transport dropped by 19%. The CLF stood at 62%, a 5% increase. The Euro-Mediterranean traffic recorded a 3% increase in passenger numbers, while cargo transport fell by 11% in this sector. The CLF stood at 62%, a 2% increase. Charter traffic recorded growth in the number of carried passengers – 22%, while the CLF, which was 78%, remained unchanged compared to the preceding year. Jat Airways aircraft from January to November logged 35.796 block hours, which was 1% up on the planned level and 1% above the level recorded last year.
The Global Economic Crisis has had a devastating effect on the aviation industry with multiple airlines going into bankruptcy and once powerful carriers such as Alitalia on the brink of collapse. The Global Financial Crisis is yet to have an impact on the aviation industry in the former Yugoslav republics although Jat Airways’ failed privatisation is largely blamed for the crisis. Croatia has seen a drop in tourist numbers and Croatia Airlines is preparing for 2009 which could see a further decrease. Croatia Airlines CEO, Ivan Mišetić (pictured above, to the right), said that if passenger numbers decrease in 2009 Croatia Airlines would push back its order for new aircraft (4 Airbus A319s and 2 Dash8s). Due to the price of fuel in the first half of the year, Croatia Airlines ends November with a total net loss of 21.5 million Kuna (approximately 2.990.000 Euros). Even though fuel prices have significantly declined in the last few months Croatia Airlines is still not benefiting from it. The airline says it could feel some relief from the decreased fuel prices in the first quarter of 2009. The airline has also confirmed it will not decrease its ticket prices as it has never increased them during the fuel crisis. The question of Croatia Airlines’ aircraft order could be in jeopardy next year but only time will tell. Economists predict that the world will see a stabilisation in the world economy in late 2009.
Although the global financial crisis should have a serious impact on tourism across the world, Split Airport, located on the Dalmatian coast in Croatia does not seem to be feeling the effects. Although Croatia Airlines ceased operating many services from the city this winter, airlines operating on a seasonal basis should return next year. As a result airlines have announced new services to Split. This includes the French charter airline Axis Airways as well as the Finnish Blue 1 that will operate from Helsinki to Split twice a week. The low cost Jet2.com will begin flights from London Gatwick Airport but will only operate once per week. The German Lufthansa will begin flights from Munich to Split twice a week during the summer of 2009. Split will also, for the first time, be connected to the Slovakian capital Bratislava via Vip Air. Jet2.com will have added competition as British Airways, after a long break from Split, will return operating flights from London Gatwick three times per week.
By the end of this year 1.200.000 passengers are expected to pass through Split Airport, which is a mild 2% increase when compared to last year. Split is one of the rear airports in Croatia that should report a year end rise in passengers.
On the 25th of November 2008 Zagreb Airport welcomed its 2 millionth passenger of the year. The lucky passenger, Gracia Horvatin (pictured above), received a 750 Euro voucher to be used at the airport’s duty free shop. She also received a dinner for two at Zagreb’s exclusive restaurant and a return ticket to Istanbul on behalf of Turkish Airlines. Croatia’s main airport is reporting an 11% increase in passengers this year and is coming in second position, in passenger terms, when compared to other airports in the EX-YU region. While other airports in Croatia have struggled to maintain growth and a high level of passenger numbers, largely due to the global financial crisis, Zagreb Airport is projecting that next year it should have approximately 2.4 million passengers pass its doors. It is also important to note that Zagreb Airport is operating with a profit along with only 2 other airports in Croatia – Dubrovnik and Split. Meanwhile the airport is preparing for the construction of the much publicised and criticised new terminal while minor reconstruction is ongoing at the current passenger terminal at Zagreb Pleso Airport.
In the third quarter of the year the Croatia Airlines Group reported a loss of 22.37 million Kuna (3.15 million Euros), which is twice as much when compared to the same quarter last year when the loss totalled 11.42 million Kuna (1.55 million Euros). In the first 9 months of 2008 the national carrier of Croatia had a total loss of 21.55 million Kuna (3.02 million Euros) due to the record prices of oil which increased expenditure which couldn’t be covered by the significant increase in operational profit which increased by 162 million Kuna (22.77 million Euros) compared to last year. The total income increased by 14.25% compared to last year, created by the increase in the number of transported passengers. Income from tickets sold inside Croatia increased by 37.12% compared last year while international sales increased by 3.4%.
However, these positive income figures could not cover the rising expenditures the airline had which are 17.97% higher than last year. Only operational costs are 19.33% higher than last year which is the reason why expenditure has increased significantly. Croatia Airlines hoped that ticket sales would significantly increase through the purchase of 2 new Bombardier Q400 aircraft and the sale of 2 ATR42s however this was not achieved. In 2008 Croatia Airlines shares decreased by 65% on the Zagreb Stock Exchange.
