Air Dolomiti’s Record Year: Growth and New Routes in 2000-2001

Air Dolomiti reports a record year in 2000, confirming a growth trend: a 20% increase in flights compared to the previous year (28,838 flights); a 26% growth in flight hours; and over 835,000 passengers, representing a 22% increase. Revenue also grew by 24%, reaching 225 billion lire.

Results and fleet growth

The operating profit strengthened to nearly 11 billion lire. The number of employees at the Brescia-based airline also increased, from 377 to 454 staff members. This trend has remained steady over ten years, apart from 1999, which was affected by the Gulf War.

The company, part of the Leali Group, is now set to continue on its growth path and is expanding its fleet. The first of three Bombardier Canadair CRJ-200 jets with 50 seats ordered has already arrived. An additional three jets are expected by 2003.

The fleet has grown from two aircraft in 1991 to 16 today, with plans to expand to 21 soon. The growth prospects are also looking positive.

Prospects and new flights for 2001

The year 2001 begins with highly satisfactory results. The weekly flight schedule during the summer will reach 600 flights, with some new routes introduced.

First and foremost, the arrival at Linate Airport, where the Bersani decree has opened up space. The Milan hub will be connected to Berlin, in collaboration with Lufthansa, and Vienna.

The latest additions include flights to and from Munich, Bari, and Cagliari, as well as the Verona – Vienna route. The online ticketing service has already been launched: since March, tickets can be purchased via the web.

The key international route remains Munich, Lufthansa’s hub, where Air Dolomiti is the third airline operating. In Italy, the role of Verona Villafranca Airport is expected to grow.

Turin is already a well-known market, while the challenge lies in capturing the Linate market.