Speaking in terms of numbers, we managed to achieve the three-year goals we had set,” stated Yiannis Grylos, emphasizing the positive trajectory Sky Express has taken this year.
Earlier, the naming ceremony of its new Airbus 321neo aircraft took place at Larnaca Airport, now proudly named “Cyprus.”
Addressing reporters, Yiannis Grylos, the president and founder of the IOGR group, to which the airline belongs, expressed his satisfaction with this year’s results. This marks the first year since Sky Express’s founding that it will close with profits, breaking away from the trend of losses in previous years.
Last year, the airline successfully reduced its negative result to €1.42 million compared to €3.793 million in the previous year.
Grylos clarified, “It is expected for an airline in its early stages to incur losses,” adding, “Sky had smaller losses compared to examples of similar airlines in their beginnings.”
Boosted by the dynamics of tourism and high demand for travel, the company’s market share increased to 32% from last year’s 29% in the domestic aviation market.
To support its development plan, the company plans to add six new aircraft in the coming months. This includes two A320neo Airbus with CFM engines, to be added to the fleet in April and June 2024, and four ATR 72600, with the first delivery expected in the coming days, followed by the next three in January, February, and April of the new year.
“Now the passenger will choose not only the aircraft but also the engine with which to fly,” stated Mr. Grylos, noting that the company chose CFM despite being more expensive due to 20% lower fuel consumption and, consequently, a smaller environmental footprint.
However, Grylos mentioned that the cost for the company, while lower per passenger, remains at the same levels, as Sky Express does not receive subsidies like its competitors.
In any case, with the addition of new aircraft, the company is ready to meet the demands of the upcoming summer season. Already, the first indications are more than encouraging, with Greek aviation recording a 75% increase in reservations compared to the same period last year.