Traditional airlines: 25% lower sales in Q1

During the first three months of 2009, the traditional airlines companies registered on average 25% lower sales from tickets in Romania, compared to the same period in 2008, according to a study carried out by BCD Travel company.

In January, the value of the sold tickets was 20% lower, while in February it decreased by 29%, respectively by 27% in March.

Two components influence the market’s downturn, the reduction of economic activities in Romania and promotional offers of airlines struggling to maintain their market share, stated Sorana Moldoveanu, managing partner of BCD Travel Romania.

Romania ranks 52nd with 155,000 tickets, considering the number of tickets issued worldwide in the first two months of this year. China ranks first with 17 mil. tickets, India with 4 mil. tickets and Germany with 3.3 mil. 

In Eastern Europe, the first position is occupied by Poland with 200,000 tickets, followed by Czech Republic with 180,600 and then by Romania.

Regarding the value of the tickets sold in Eastern Europe, Romania ranks 3rd, with USD 59 mil., in the first 2 months of this year, according to the study performed by BCD Travel.

Sursa: Adevarul [15.04.2009], Daily Business [14.04.2009], Business Standard [15.04.2009], Wall-Street [15.04.2009], Ziarul Financiar [15.04.2009]