British Airways posted a 34% increase in revenues derived in Romania in the first quarter of the fiscal year (April - June) and surpassed Hungary and the Czech Republic and, as a result, became the company's eighth largest market in Europe.
"Last year, Romania ranked 14th in Europe, but the growth achieved this year has catapulted us into the top ten. In terms of growth rate, we have even left Poland behind," said Emil Delibashev, commercial manager of British Airways Romania, Bulgaria and Moldova.
The company expects to preserve its growth rate throughout the summer and the entire fiscal year (April 2008 - March 2009), and forecasts an over 10% revenue increase against 2007. Company representatives did not provide information on the value of sales derived on the local market.
"The winter schedule will no longer include a third daily flight on the Bucharest-London route because traffic is less heavy during that period. However, this route will be resumed next summer, with flights to be adapted to the summer schedule," added Delibashev.
Although airline operators are faced with a worldwide crisis due to an increase in fuel prices, which has prompted a reduction in the frequency of flights on certain routes, the growth experienced in Romania has encouraged BA to continue development plans on the local market.
"Romania is a secure market from this point of view, and development continues to be our target. Cluj remains one of BA's priorities when it comes to launching new routes", explained Delibashev.
British Airways introduced its third daily flight on the Bucharest-London route at the end of March, which will be part of next summer's schedule.
The introduction of the new route has also boosted passenger traffic on connecting flights, with prevalent final destinations for those travelling from Bucharest to London be
