OREANDA-NEWS. Small Planet will be serving the UK charter market with an upgraded product for summer 2013 and beyond. The upgrade encompasses a younger fleet of A320s, UK cabin crews, fully branded SPA product, among other modifications since 2012.

“The UK represents a great growth opportunity for us,” says Vytautas Kaikaris, the CEO of Small Planet Airlines. “We were not happy to use third party providers in 2012 and this year we are committed to deliver an upgraded service fully under the Small Planet brand to our partner tour operators”.

Starting from summer 2013, Small Planet will be adding 5 A320s to its fleet for operations out of UK, France, Poland and Lithuania. The airline has just finished a phase-out of 2 of its older 737-300s earlier this year and by the end of 2013 Small Planet will operate an all-Airbus fleet. “The fleet transition from older 737-300s to younger A320s is a big step for Small Planet,” says Vytautas Kaikaris. “This will significantly improve reliability, cost of operations, as well as on-time performance.”

The airline will be hiring over 100 cabin crew members across its diverse bases. “Our strategy is to hire local crews who can deliver professional and friendly service in native language of the passengers on board”, says Asta Staskeviciene, HR Recruitment and Selection Manager at Small Planet Airlines. After recruitment is completed, the new hires undergo a special service training programme built on a premise to create a holiday atmosphere on board of Small Planet’s flights.

“We are grateful to the UK tour operators who have put their confidence in us this coming summer and we look forward to delivering great service and punctuality for their clients and our passengers,” adds Vytautas Kaikaris.