LONDON – Greek carrier SKY express have announced the launch of a new route connecting Greek capital of Athens, with Italian city of Milan, starting October 26.

Great connectivity

Announced on October 24 and starting on October 26, Greek carrier SKY express will offer direct flights between Athens and Milan Malpensa. The route will be operated with their Airbus A320neo aircraft, running five times per week. SKY Express has the greenest fleet in Greece. The route will be operated sustainably whilst at the same time giving great passenger comfort, given the Airbus A320neo’s noise reduction compared to it’s predecessor.

After a demanding summer for the airline, the airline’s international course was reaffirmed by impressive response from the passengers, which seems to be one of two catalysts to open a new route between Greece and Italy.

SKY express already operate flights to Italy’s capital of Rome, but has since seen the public’s need for more options. Opening the new route to Milan will enable new opportunities for interaction between both popular destinations.

By including Milan in their international network, they make Italy the first country in Europe to operate two destinations all year around. On top of this, flight frequency to Rome , will now become daily.

Alongside the new Milan route, SKY express will be adding Munich and Sofia, Bulgaria, to their international route network. The carrier reaching eight new international routes in year 2022.

SKY express’ statement

On the announcement, SKY express’ Network Planning & Pricing Manager, Vassilis Krasanakis, commented “In Italy, a year ago, we created a bridge that boosts tourism and the economy as a whole. A decision vindicated by the dynamic response from the passengers. Staying true to its vision of flying higher every year, SKY express further strengthens its presence in the Italian market, by launching the Athens – Milan direct route and now offering travelers a new, reliable, “green” and cost-effective option.”

Milan Airport’ statement

Andrea Tucci, Vice President Aviation Business Development, SEA Milan Airports, commented on the launch, saying:- “We welcome SKY express, a new carrier whose investment in our airport further expands Malpensa’s network. The new connections to Athens satisfy the traffic demand to European cities, like Milan, attracting the most dynamic and curious tourism that searches for a complete travel experience. SKY express in addition to this connection brings a wider network to the Greek islands improving the quality of connections already this fall. Offering our market, the possibility to discover a Mediterranean with different flavours, scents and colours compared to those we are used to in the summer.”

Overall

Given the demands for more options from the passenger public, SKY express will probably shoot bullseye with this route. However, as with any new destination, time will show as demand might not be as great as first expected.

With SKY express’s Rome Fiumicino (FCO) also ramping up to daily flights, demand does seem to be great on this pair. Flying almost empty aircraft daily would be unnecessary. As Rome turns to daily services, It’s still a great hope for Milan to see enough demand to also become daily in the future.