Azernews.Az

By Amina Nazarli

Azerbaijan, one of the leaders of the aviation community of the CIS countries, plans to fly to more destinations until 2025.

The country is going to launch direct flights to 100 major European cities until 2025 as it will realize the “Strategic Road Map on the national economy and main economic sectors”.

One of the key priorities set by the Strategic Road Map is increasing the number of direct flights between Baku and major European cities from 49 to 100.

Moreover, it is planned to raise the number of low-cost charter flights in winter and summer seasons with the aim of boosting tourist flow.

Azerbaijan Airlines, AZAL, is the national flag carrier operating flights to destinations across Asia, the CIS, Europe and the USA.

Staring last year AZAL provided its passengers with low-cost flights. The tickets (including all dues) for these flights cost 99 euros one way if purchased through the AZAL website and the airline ticket offices.

Flights to 13 popular destinations are operated under AZALJET brand since March 2016. Sales and flight scheme on these flights is close to low-cost airlines, that is, passengers have a choice of several services in the form of paid options.

Meanwhile, AZAL plans to establish a national low-cost carrier BUTA AIRWAYS. The airway, which is expected to begin flights in autumn 2017, will have its own fleet on the basis of Embraer aircrafts in its own livery, its own staff and independent tariff policy.

Earlier in September Azerbaijan was listed among the countries with the lowest prices on domestic and international flights, the Daily Mail reported with reference to the Kiwi.com travel service.

The country was ranked the 8th in the list of international flights charging an average of $3.02 per 100 km, while its legacy airlines cost is $6.25 per 100 km.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

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