euro adhoc: SkyEurope Holding
Strategic management decisions
SkyEurope opens
new base in Prague and reinforces its leadership in Central Europe
Two brand new Boeing 737-700 aircraft to be based at RuzynEUR Airport.
Initially 7 routes to be opened
Disclosure announcement transmitted by euro adhoc. The issuer is responsible for the content of this announcement.
14.02.2006
SkyEurope Airlines, Central Europes leading low-cost low-fare airline announced today its entry into the Czech market by opening a new base at Prague Ruzyne Airport.
Prague has seen a huge increase in air transport in the past few years. In spite of being influenced by the lost cost revolution mostly from the UK, the market in Prague remains underserved and misses a dedicated low cost low fare airline based there.
By establishing its fifth base in Prague, SkyEurope fosters its leading position as the largest Central European low cost airline and will also bring to the Czech population low fares to the most attractive European cities and tourist destinations. With prices starting at 290 CZK, SkyEurope democratizes air transport and will offer to Czech travelers a viable and affordable alternative to train, bus or car travel.
By completing an initial public offering of its shares on the Vienna and Warsaw stock exchanges last year, SkyEurope became the first listed Central European airline and is the best financed low cost low fare airline in Central Europe, backed by some of the leading European institutional investors. SkyEuropes growth will be further enhanced by the delivery of 16 brand new Boeing 737-700 Next Generation aircraft in 2006 and 2007, with an additional 16 purchase rights available until 2010.
SkyEurope will base two brand new 149-seater Boeing 737-700 equipped with winglets and leather seats at Prague Airport, becoming the airline with the youngest and most modern fleet based in Prague.
SkyEurope will initially operate seven new routes from Prague Airport with the aim to expand rapidly with other destinations its route network from the Czech capital.
New SkyEurope Airlines routes
From PRAGUE to Frequency starting Amsterdam daily service April 10 Barcelona 4 times per week April 10 Milan Bergamo daily service April 10 Naples 2 times per week April 13 Nice 3 times per week April 11 Paris Orly double daily service April 10 Rome Fiumicino daily service April 10
The services to Paris-Orly, Nice and Naples are new direct connections for Prague airport.
SkyEurope flies to convenient airports, such as Paris Orly, the most central airport in Paris, that gives quicker and easier access to the city centre than the farther Charles de Gaule airport. Given the huge anticipated demand both in terms of leisure and business travel between Prague and Paris, a double daily service will be offered. Nice at the heart of the Côte dAzur, will be served for the first time in direct out of Prague with a frequency of 3 weekly flights.
The new destinations will be operated as of April 10th, 2006. Sales have been launched per immediate effect. Bookings on-line at www.skyeurope.com or via the reservation centre under 900 14 15 16 (14,- CZK/minute). Prices start at 290,- CZK, one way excl. taxes.
"Prague has been for a long time on our radar screen and is a logical next step in our expansion programme in Central Europe. We are very happy that we could take advantage of an opportunity that will finally bring low fares to the Czech Republic" said Christian Mandl, CEO of SkyEurope Airlines. "By opening a base in Prague, SkyEurope provides a Central European answer to the low fare revolution in Europe."
end of announcement euro adhoc 14.02.2006 09:30:00
Further inquiry note:
SkyEurope Airlines
Mag. Ralph Preclik, CPO
Tel.:+421 2 4850 1125
mailto:investor.relations@skyeurope.com
http://www.skyeurope.com
Branche: Air Transport
ISIN: AT0000497003
WKN: A0F5WU
Index: WBI
Börsen: Wiener Börse AG / official market