Croatia Airlines plans to store its Airbus A320 fleet from late October until at least the middle of December as a result of reduced demand caused by the coronavirus pandemic. At this point, the carrier does not plan to utilise the 174-seat aircraft until December 17, based on its current winter season timetable. As previously reported, the airline will primarily operate its 74-seat Dash 8 turboprops on most routes, while the A319s will be deployed on flights to London and Paris. Croatia Airlines is currently utilising some six aircraft. “On average, six of our aircraft run thirty operations per day. Our Dash pilots are working at 60% of last year’s level, while our Airbus captains are on duty between 30% and 35% to that of last year”, Croatia Airlines' Chief Pilot, Davor Mišić, said. In addition to the A320s, some Dashes and A319s are being prepared for storage by the airline’s maintenance division.
Croatia Airlines plans to significantly reduce its operations over the winter season, which begins on October 25. The carrier has said it does not have a fixed winter timetable and will instead publish network changes on a monthly basis. “We have to be flexible. Our plans are optimistic but are optimised from day to day. In reality, that means Croatia Airlines no longer has a winter timetable. Destinations which we will serve will be published on a month to month basis. Whether these flights will actually be operated, only the skies and epidemiologists know”, Robert Kruljac, the head of the carrier’s crisis management team said.
The Croatian carrier plans to maintain flights to sixteen destinations from Zagreb in November (twelve international and four domestic), as well as four from Split (three international and one domestic). International flights from Dubrovnik and Rijeka to Frankfurt and Munich, respectively, will be discontinued this winter season. The majority of the company’s international flights will operate two to three times per week, with exception to Frankfurt. Services from Zagreb to London Heathrow and Vienna will run just once per week, while the carrier’s service between Zagreb and Munich will be suspended for the first half of the month.
Desperate times call for desperate measures.
ReplyDeleteI understand the industry is affected but 1 weekly to Vienna when Austrian pulls out? Seriously?
ReplyDeleteIf demand is only enough for just one flight a week why fly more?
DeleteI don't know. Maybe more could be done to stimulate demand even in times like these. For example, BA will have 3 weekly flights from LHR, while OU 1.
DeleteBut what about new taxes on these flights?
DeleteMy mistake, BA is actually 4 per week. So I don't understand how OU can only make it work with 1.
DeleteVIE has a huge transfer. With borders outside the EU closed, especially USA, there is no need to fly.
DeleteThis is what a lot of people don't understand. Airlines are cancelling flights and routes because, repeat after me, there is NO demand.
DeleteIt makes no sense for OU to suddenly fly VIE 14pw.
I didn't mean 14 weekly, but surely there is more demand then 1 weekly Dash flight.
DeleteThey said themselves the timetable will be reviewed every month. November is one of the slowest months of the year even in normal circumstances. So I assume they will increase flights in December and January.
DeleteI understand some destinations being butchered...but entire network? That's not normal.
DeleteExactly. If demand grows for flights to Vienna theg will operate more then 1 weakly flight. Same was with SJJ and SKP which were scheduled for 1 weakly flight but OU increase it to 2 and 3.
DeleteI agree with last anon. Even when corona is over or at least under control, it won't be so easy to rebuild network.
DeleteI wouldn't really say that's the case. If it was there would not have been so many flights to say Split in the middle of the pandemic. I'm certain those were not necessery trips.
DeleteFlights are being cancelled, among other things, because they are producing huge losses.
Delete^ If that is the case, then airlines should stop flying all together. To save costs.
Delete@Anon 09:28: These are not normal times, so don't expect things to be normal.
DeleteYou do understand that people also do not fly because many have sadly lost their jobs especially in this industry.
Delete@Plane Mad there is no data to support your statement. I would say that border & entry restrictions between countries have butchered demand much more than the (very weak) pandemic itself.
Deleteanon 9:35 in many if not most cases it is not the pandemic or covid itself it is the whole situation. While before it, to get from A to B you had e.g. 5 flights a day 7 x a week, now it is let's say only 1 and 2 per week. So both for leisure and business travel this makes no sense. Furthermore, even is you decide to take this 1 weekly flight, you either have to get tested or be quaranteened for 10 -14 says. So, yes, why bother to fly?
Deleteafter a long long time im back. Of course people dont want to travel. i used to be a frequent flyer (at least one rt 2+h flight/month and one rt 4+h flight/month) but since all this started i only flu to Mykonos in July. I dont want to deal with entry restrictions. I dont want to deal with drama if i get sick somewhere abroad. And to be honest. I dont want to get this stupid corona, not because of me personally, but because of my parents and last but not least - i dont wanna get it and spread it around. THERE IS NO DEMAND GUYS. Just look at some other industries. My gym for example. Yeah, people got back in june (gyms in Slovenia opened on June 1st if i remember well), but not everyone. I would say that at least 30% never got back... of course the gym manager reduced the number of "group training programmes" ... guess why? there is NO DEMAND. Wizzair thought it will benefit with flying almost empty around... u can, but how long? best regards...
DeleteThis can be hardly called a pandemic.
Delete+1000
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteBut what is interesting to see that on every route OU has competition this November, they will be operating fewer flights, by a half at least.
Delete^ Because those airlines can't rely on a much larger network and some transfer passengers. The only transfer passengers OU can rely on is from Skopje and Sarajevo.
DeletePersonally, I do want to fly for pleasure too. Flying is much safer that taking the underground, say. With the starting point that I do understand & respect all the safety measures in place (face masks and so on), I am also fully convinced that this pandemic is being used by many airlines (and companies in general) as a pure excuse to cut on costs. Not to talk about the hysteria spread around by (most of) the media.
DeleteSmart decision.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely- good they have the Q400- fast and efficient aircraft in these times for the current demand.
DeleteMakes sense.. Q400 is a perfect turboprop for the job. Having a regional jet would ideal... But this will do:)
ReplyDeleteStorage will likely be prolonged until summer 2021.
ReplyDeleteMost probably.
DeleteWinter is coming.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if they say that in the Caribbean region??? Lol
DeleteI'm presuming LH will keep operating MUC-ZAG? Or will they cut too?
ReplyDeleteThey continue flying it.
DeleteOuch!
ReplyDeleteI love this „ouch“ guy! Every day, every article. Amazing.
DeleteIt makes sense.
ReplyDelete"Whether these flights will actually be operated, only the skies and epidemiologists know”
ReplyDeleteThat's reassuring.
Accurate too.
DeleteIt's going to be a very quiet winter for OU.
ReplyDeletelike for the rest of the ailines worldwide.
DeleteTrue dat!
DeleteCan Slovenes fly from ZAG?
ReplyDeleteYes
DeleteWell Skopje has been downgraded back from the A320 to the Q400.
ReplyDeleteThere is not much they can do.
ReplyDeleteHow many planes will they have in operation in November if they are also storing Q400s and A319s, along with A320s?
ReplyDeletein November not more than 5.
DeleteUnfortunate but coronavirus is having a big impact on everyone.
ReplyDeleteIs there much point operating some routes just once per week?
ReplyDeleteThat way they keep some basic connectivity.
DeleteThankfully the slot rules at Heathrow have been suspended.
ReplyDeleteSuch a shame
ReplyDeleteUnfortunate but considering the circumstances understandable.
DeleteI was hoping OU would profit from reduced competition. Doesn't seem like it though.
ReplyDeleteThere's a reason for reduced competition... No demand.
DeleteThis winter season is going to be a disaster
ReplyDeleteGood decision. Better to cancel the flights and reduce capacity than fly empty.
ReplyDelete+1
DeleteThe losses must be huge.
ReplyDeleteEveryone is in the same boat.
DeleteI was secretly hoping this A320 could've been used with local tour operators and launching some winter warm destinations such as Jordan, Egypt, Canary Islands or UAE. The Croat standard of living especially in the capital is now quite high and people can now afford to travel more. Add to this that the Croat passport is now in the top 20 worldwide.
ReplyDeleteYou really think that there is a deamand for these destinations? Most of Croats are using their coast as a sun and sea destination so rarely who is interested in Canary Islands, Aqaba, Eliat, Sharm el Sheik.... and also important factor is that most of croats already used their holidays this summer to go on coast.
DeleteI disagree. Even Greeks or Bulgarians have their own seas or beaches but still travel a lot to warmer winter destinations. For example, this year there will be charters for the very first time from Sofia to Male in winter and Bucharest has year-round flights to the Canary Islands. Taking in mind that the salaries are considered lower compared to Croatia.
Deletei like the guy who actually wrote that the Cro passport is top 20 in the world.
DeleteUnbelievable the things you read here.
He is right. This is the lastest ranking
DeleteGlobal Passport Power Rank 2020
1. New Zealand 129
2. Germany, Austria, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Ireland, South Korea, Japan, Australia 128
3.Sweden, Belgium, France, 4. Finland, Italy, Spain 127
5. Netherlands, Denmark, Portugal, Lithuania, Norway, Iceland, UK, Canada 126
6. Malta, Slovenia, Latvia 125
Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Poland, Hungary, Liechtenstein 124
7. Slovakia 123
8. Cyprus, Croatia, Monaco 121
9. Romania, Bulgaria 120
10. San Marino, Andorra, Uruguay 115
He is right. This is the lastest ranking
DeleteGlobal Passport Power Rank 2020
1. New Zealand 129
2. Germany, Austria, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Ireland, South Korea, Japan, Australia 128
3.Sweden, Belgium, France, 4. Finland, Italy, Spain 127
5. Netherlands, Denmark, Portugal, Lithuania, Norway, Iceland, UK, Canada 126
6. Malta, Slovenia, Latvia 125
Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Poland, Hungary, Liechtenstein 124
7. Slovakia 123
8. Cyprus, Croatia, Monaco 121
9. Romania, Bulgaria 120
10. San Marino, Andorra, Uruguay 115
Croats don't trav el a lot abroad.
DeleteI count 34 countries before Croatia.
Delete(still a great ranking for HR, but not in the top 20.)
Ranking is counted based on number of countries that allow entry, which you can see by the number based on the group of countries. Or you think Cyprus is 33rd and then Croatia's 34th. Nonsense.
DeleteSo then Croatia is in the top 8, why even mention top 20.
DeleteBecause it used to be on 11th place until very recently. Still a quite powerful passport basically only America is left of the important countries.
DeletePlus Russia will now include 53 countries to its e-visa programme starting 01.01.2021 and Croatia is also included:
https://evisa.kdmid.ru/
It's really sad it has come to this. Let's hope this dark period for the aviation industry passes as soon as possible.
ReplyDeleteI'm a bit surprised they are reducing London by so much. Especially considering they kept this route going for so long when corona hit and most airlines suspended all flights.
ReplyDelete14 day quarantine. No one wants to travel from the UK.
DeleteThey decided not to take away slots at Heathrow for "less active" airlines so it's better to decrease flight numbers then to run empty planes.
DeleteNumber of flights reduced from start of winter until December 31 compared to last year
ReplyDeleteSplit – Frankfurt Reduce from 68 to 23 flights
Split – Munich Reduce from 68 to 34 flights
Split – Rome Reduce from 68 to 35 flights
Pula – Zadar Reduce from 58 to 20 flights (From Zadar to Pula: Increase from 59 to 64 flights)
Pula – Zagreb 44 flights (One-way from Pula only)
Zagreb – Amsterdam Reduce from 68 to 64 flights
Zagreb – Brussels Reduce from 118 to 54 flights
Zagreb – Copenhagen Reduce from 68 to 46 flights
Zagreb – Dubrovnik Reduce from 214 to 198 flights
Zagreb – Frankfurt Reduce from 204 to 202 flights
Zagreb – London Heathrow Reduce from 37 to 22 flights
Zagreb – Mostar Reduce from 20 to 4 flights (Service operates in December)
Zagreb – Munich Reduce from 136 to 49 flights
Zagreb – Paris CDG Reduce from 68 to 32 flights
Zagreb – Sarajevo Reduce from 127 to 50 flights
Zagreb – Skopje Reduce from 68 to 30 flights
Zagreb – Split Reduce from 221 to 185 flights
Zagreb – Vienna Reduce from 136 to 43 flights
Zagreb – Zadar Increase from 59 to 64 flights (From Zadar to Zagreb: Reduce from 58 to 20 flights)
Zagreb – Zurich Reduce from 136 to 57 flights
wow
DeleteReally a lot of flights cancelled if you look at their booking system.
DeleteAt least they will come back to Mostar :D even if it is in December.
DeleteDecember is still a long way away so don't count on it.
DeleteConsidering there are over 700 new covid cases here today, this is to be expected.
ReplyDeleteZagreb-Amsterdam is also "exemption" as it has frequency every day + code-share to KLM. Zagreb-Frankfurt is almost 3 flights per day.
ReplyDeleteHow many weekly flights will they have to CDG?
Delete2x per week.
DeleteThanks. What about AF? How many will they have in November?
Delete5 weekly!
DeleteGood luck OU. Hopefully they will manage to resume most of their flights next summer.
ReplyDeleteUntil a vaccine is found, there is reduction of infection rates and the countries start lifting entry band, there will be no recovery in aviation.
Delete+1
DeleteThis is bad
ReplyDeleteActually it's the most sensible decision they could make.
DeleteI tend to avoid public transit in the middle of a pandemic even when it is a 15 min ride on a train.
ReplyDeleteConsidering the number of new corona cases has surpassed 500 a day, this will get worse before it gets better.
Pandemic �� You stupid.
DeleteNot surprised. Many airlines are storing aircraft at this time.
ReplyDeleteThey are storing A380s and B747s. Not A320s and Q400s!
DeleteActually hundreds of A320s and 737s all over the world haven't flown in months.
DeletePeople shocked about this should realize that Croatia Airlines was in a bad financial state even before the crisis. They are negotiating state aid at the moment but there is still no aid on the horizon. They have to do everything to cut costs at the moment.
ReplyDeleteTrue
DeleteOU isn't storing planes for the fun of it. There simply is no demand. No tourism anymore, locals are staying home. What do you expect?
ReplyDeleteVery bleak winter for everyone in terms of flights and passenger numbers.
ReplyDeleteIt's really sad it has come to this
ReplyDeleteToo bad they couldn't get out of that A319 lease they got in April.
ReplyDeleteThat A319 is on power by the hour lease agreement until April 2021 so it doesn't cost if it's not used.
DeleteDo you have a source about power by the hour for 9A-CTN?
Deletehttps://www.exyuaviation.com/2020/06/croatia-airlines-renegotiates-aircraft.html
Delete"Last month, Croatia Airlines took delivery of a newly leased Airbus A319 aircraft, which has since been stored. The carrier has renegotiated the terms of the lease and will use a Power by the Hour contract during the first year of the lease, until the 2021 summer season. "
Do they have power by the hour lease agreements?
ReplyDeletePersonally, I do want to fly for pleasure too. Flying is much safer that taking the underground, say. With the starting point that I do understand & respect all the safety measures in place (face masks and so on), I am also fully convinced that this pandemic is being used by many airlines (and companies in general) as a pure excuse to cut on costs. Not to talk about the hysteria spread around by (most of) the media.
ReplyDeleteFor months now, Lufthansa is systematically cutting-off OU from connecting passengers to/from SJJ, and OU withdrawal from SJJ is a result of that, since they major partner in Star Alliance is sending all passengers to Austrian. Moreover, there is no P2P demand between SJJ and ZAG at all, so actually OU can't do anything about it. I guess it's same for SKP.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that OU is becoming LH feeder only for domestic market, and that markets of SLO, BiH, MAK and maybe some more will be taken by LH's owned companies?
I wonder is this attitude of LH is same for their all small regional partners, or specifically for OU only?