AIR BERLIN - BREAKING THE MOULD

摘要

Air Berlin is Germany's second biggest airline and Europe's third largest low-fares carrier in terms of passengers, carrying 9.6 million in 2003 and with over 12 million forecast for this year. Less well known is the fact that it is the largest operator in Palrna, on the Balearic island of Majorca, with a major hub operation which includes flying numerous domestic services to points in mainland Spain. However, unlike most other low-fare airlines, when the carrier's fleet of mostly Boeing 737s fly to sunshine destinations it will usually be with a mix of passengers. Some will have bought a seat direct from Air Berlin, while a large number will be on package holidays, though both will receive the same level of service. The airline has undergone something of a transformation in a short space of time, going from a purely charter airline to one which now operates as a low-fares carrier with 'frills'. Indeed, an illustration of the change of emphasis is that only one flight a week this winter is dedicated solely to travel agents' passengers.