OREANDA-NEWS. On 02 April 2008 was announced, that Malev has switched its Moscow service to the modern Moscow International Airport Domodedovo, the air hub able to meet all the demands of the travelling public and also the terminal used by oneworld member airlines and AiRUnion.

“Scheduling of the daily Malev Moscow flight into Domodedovo harmonizes with AiRUnion’s eight and S7 airline’s 17 services within Russia and to the countries of the CIS. By making the switch the Hungarian national carrier creates the opportunity to travel from Budapest via Moscow to the main cities in Russia with just one convenient transfer, while it also allows travellers arriving from the Russian markets to fly with Malev on to destinations in Europe and North America,” said Malev CEO Pйter Leonov at the press conference.

Malev’s decision to move its operations to Domodedovo contributes to the company’s stable and profitable operation over the medium and long term and its market development. In addition, the airline is planning further expansion into the Russian and CIS markets. The dynamically developing Russian market holds the promise of sustained growth projected over many years.

Last year Malev registered an increase in total passengers on the Moscow route of some 5%, while the increase in business traffic was considerably greater, nearly 12%, compared to the previous year. The company has continued to record growth in the first two months of this year: 12% more travelled on Malev flights in January and February than in the identical period last year.

“On top of providing the whole spectrum of quality services, Domodedovo offers the benefit of the most developed route network that spans over Russia and CIS. This enables the airlines operating in Domodedovo to use the airport as effective business platform promoting the increase of passenger traffic both on European and Russian routes. We look forward to see successful co-operation between the airport and the dynamically developing Malev Hungarian Airlines”, said Sergey Rudakov, Director of Domodedovo Airport Complex speaking at the press conference.

Ambassador of Hungary Бrpбd Szйkely, applauding the significance of the cooperation between Malev and Moscow International Airport Domodedovo, said, “The commencement of regular flights from Domodedovo is a momentous event. We know that recently the airport was rated the best in Eastern Europe by ACI while Malev was recognised the leading airline in the region. We believe that joint efforts of two leaders always produce impressive results. I am certain that flights from Domodedovo will attract a significantly higher number of Hungarian and Russian passengers.”

Malev
Malev launched scheduled services to Moscow on 7 April 1959, initially using Il-14 aircraft with a stop-over in Kiev; non-stop flights began on 25 May 1960 with Il-18 planes running between Budapest and Moscow.

Malev carries more than three million passengers on scheduled flights each year. Its aircraft are in the air virtually non-stop from morning to evening, linking Hungary with 54 cities in 34 countries. Reckoned together with code-share flights operated by partner airlines it provides its customers with the opportunity to fly to 71 cities in 38 countries. As a full-right member of oneworld, Malev supplies its passengers with all the services and benefits of the airline alliance.

The core of the airline’s fleet of 26 aircraft is formed by 18 Next-Generation Boeing 737s. In addition, Malev operates a further two long-haul wide-bodied jets (B-767-300ER, B767-200ER) and six planes for regional traffic (Fokker 70s and CRJ–200s). This modern fleet allows the Hungarian airline to provide its customers with high standards, and it also permits highly efficient operation. The comfort of passengers on the Next-Generation Boeings is enhanced by leather seating in business and economy class, as well as more legroom than the European average. The Malev scheduled network guarantees convenient transfers between cities in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Western Europe and North America.

Malev tributes

The high standard of service offered by the Hungarian national carrier has been recognized by its Hungarian and international passengers as well as among professional circles. Malev continuously monitors and analyses its customers’ demands and satisfaction.

Malev awards: Best Airline in Eastern Europe – 2007, 2006; Irish professional award – 2007; “Airline of the Year” (award in Hungary); The most punctual airline (AEA survey, 2006)

Moscow International Airport Domodedovo

Moscow International Airport Domodedovo is the largest and the most dynamically developing Russian airport. It holds the leading positions among Moscow airports in terms of passenger traffic. In 2007, Domodedovo airport’s passenger traffic amounted to 18, 755, 098 passengers, a 22% increase over 2006. According to a survey conducted by Skytrax – a well-known independent international aviation research and consulting company – Domodedovo airport is ranked second in Central and Eastern Europe. Passengers from 95 countries participated in the survey. Such a significant growth was stimulated by new airlines, who started operating their flights from the airport, the reconstruction of the airport facilities, as well as the implementation of new technologies and enhancement of customer services.

Upon summarizing 2007 results, ACI Europe rated Moscow International Airport Domodedovo the best airport in Eastern Europe. It also took the 1st place in terms of growth rate in its group and the honorable 19th place among European airports.

In recent years, Domodedovo attracted a number of major international airlines, such as Thai Airways, China Eastern, Iberia, Eurofly, Singapore Airlines, Wind Jet, bmi, Royal Jordanian Airlines, Austrian Airlines, and JAL who chose it as their destination airport in Moscow.