OREANDA-NEWS. July 12, 2011. In September the national carrier Estonian Air brings its Vilnius based Boeing 737-500 back to Tallinn. The aircraft that currently operates between Vilnius and Amsterdam and Vilnius and Stockholm will be used in Tallinn where the airline will add frequencies and introduce new destinations, reported the press-centre of Estonian Air.

“In last months the amount of our passengers in Tallinn has increased by a third, which is why we wish to thicken the flight schedule and open new landmarks,” says Rauno Parras, Vice President Commercial of Estonian Air.

“We are satisfied with the amount of passengers in Vilnius airport where we achieved more than a 10% market share. Despite high interest, both Vilnius routes are due to significantly increased fuel cost currently losing money, which we – as a business firm – cannot accept,” says Parras.

“One and a half years ago Lithuania’s aviation market was in a recession - it was wise to enter in a low competitive market, but as for today the competition in Vilnius airport has grown. Considering that the demand in Estonia has increased, it is unnecessary to keep the airplane in Vilnius,” says Parras.

„Main reason for this decision is economic calculation and fast reaction to the changes of the market. But we will not rule out the  possibility that we will re-open our Vilnius base,“ says Parras.

From Tallinn Estonian Air has already introduced new frequencies to Amsterdam, Moscow, Kiev and Oslo. In addition a new route to Trondheim will be added on 5 September.

The fleet of Estonian Air consists of eight aircraft: two Boeing 737-500, two Boeing 737-300 and two CRJ900 NextGen. Two Saab 340 type airplanes are operated by Estonian Air Regional.