Sofia-based Electra Airways and Poland’s leading tour operator ITAKA have joined forces to bring fresh momentum to the European charter market. As a result of this partnership, a new brand, Air 001, has been established and will begin operating flights from Poland to popular holiday destinations in the summer of 2025.
Strategic Collaboration between Electra Airways and ITAKA
Air 001, with its own identity and distinctive design, will operate under the existing Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) of Electra Airways. This approach will allow the brand to enter the market swiftly without the need to await lengthy approval processes.
Electra Airways will provide aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance services, while ITAKA will manage sales and marketing operations. This structure serves as a strong example of the growing trend among European tour operators to establish their own airline brands.
Fleet and Brand Identity
Air 001 will initially operate a fleet of four aircraft, comprising three Airbus A320s and one Airbus A321. The aircraft will feature an eye-catching design in shades of red and pink, adorned with a large white “Air 001” logo on the fuselage.
The choice of the Airbus A320 family offers significant advantages in terms of fuel efficiency and passenger capacity, particularly on short and medium-haul routes.
Bases and Route Network
In the summer of 2025, Air 001 will operate out of Katowice, Warsaw, Wrocław, and Poznań, reaching a broad geographical audience within Poland.
Planned destinations include popular holiday hotspots around the Mediterranean, such as Greece, Spain, Egypt, and Turkey. Greek islands, Spain’s Mediterranean coast, and the Canary Islands are expected to be among the most sought-after locations.
Sales Channels and Operational Structure
All flights will be sold as part of package holidays through ITAKA’s sales channels. Passengers will be able to purchase complete holiday packages, including flights, hotel accommodation, and transfer services.
Operational responsibility will rest entirely with Electra Airways, allowing ITAKA to focus on leveraging its strong marketing network to enhance customer satisfaction.
A Strong Step into the European Charter Market
The establishment of Air 001 is seen as part of a strategic move by European tour operators to secure their own air capacity. In recent years, the Polish travel market has experienced rapid growth, and increasing demand for international holiday destinations is creating new opportunities.
Through Air 001, ITAKA aims to reduce its reliance on external suppliers and gain better control over price fluctuations. In the long term, there are plans to add new flights from cities like Gdańsk and Kraków, and potentially even to extend the network to long-haul destinations such as the Caribbean and Thailand.
For now, Air 001 plans to make a strong start by focusing on classic holiday destinations across Europe and North Africa.
