Europe's low cost airline industry services a large market. On a continent as interconnected as Europe, cheap air travel is not only prevalent, but plentiful. Amidst fierce competition, a Romanian Airline has established itself as an attractive option for frequent European travellers. Here we take a look at Blue Air - Eastern Europe's low cost airline - who they are and what they have to offer in terms of their active fleet and routes. Those who value progress and sustainability might well find Blue Air to be the low cost airline of choice.

A look at Blue Air

Blue Air is an Eastern European low cost airline which operates out of Bucharest. It commenced operations in the year 2004 as the first Romanian company launched with 100% private capital and has established itself as the largest Romanian airline by passengers flown. It saw much growth in 2017, flying almost 75% more passengers than in 2016.

Things haven’t always been smooth sailing for Blue Air though, as its airport base was closed to domestic airlines. Undeterred, the carrier proceeded to establish a new base in the country's biggest airport. From here Blue Air developed into a successful low cost airline, offering a number of route options to travellers in Eastern Europe and the rest of the continent.

Blue Air's fleet

Blue Air currently operates a fleet of 23 Boeing 737-series aircraft, with the oldest delivery taking place in 2008, and the latest being the Boeing 737-883. The capacity of the fleet ranges anywhere from 120 to 189 seats per aircraft, enabling a decent passenger load for a low cost airline. This compares favourably with other European low cost airlines, such as Spain's LEVEL.

The Blue Air fleet has seen a slight decline in number, from 26 in 2016, down to 23 aircraft in 2019. The good news is that the aircraft have been modernly outfitted - lightweight Recaro seats as an example. Furthermore, it is carrying out a fleet renewal programme aimed at improving the flight experience for its passengers. The airline's vision for its fleet going forward emphasises the need to develop in a sustainable manner. As such, all investment into the fleet is aimed at reducing its carbon footprint.

A look at Blue Air's destinations

A look at Blue Air's flight destination map shows a good range of destinations, offering affordable options to potential tourists in Romania, from most of Europe as well as the Middle East. Currently, the airline services flights to 14 airports across the area. However, it is eyeing a busy holiday season next year. From its main base in Bucharest, it will be able to reach over 25 destinations, as seen in its 2020 summer schedule.

Blue Air - To the future

Blue Air is certainly not the biggest or most well-known European low cost airline, but it is one of the largest in Eastern Europe, and boasts the title of being the largest carrier of passengers by air in Romania. Though growth figures have declined, it was still able to post around a 10% growth into 2018, amidst strong competition amongst cheap air travel options. Its recent acquisition of Air Moldova points to its ambition. Because of Blue Air's low cost business model, it is imperative that its ambitions include modernisation and improved customer service.

With its sustainable approach to fleet development and concern with modernising its services, it would be no surprise to see the airline strengthen its position under the right management group.