Romania could welcome new #airport after low cost #airline unveils plans

The power of a low cost airline, it seems, is determined to a large extent by its parent. While all companies enjoy this benefit to some extent, Romanian budget carrier Blue Air gave a new meaning to the word “clout”. As the Bucharest Baneasa Airport is set to close down commercial services, Blue Air decided to take the matter into its own hands by building a new low-cost airport in Adunatii-Copaceni, around 20 kms south of central Bucharest.

The significance of this plan is that this will be the first such undertaking in Romania for 20 years, in addition to resulting in the country’s first privately-owned airport. The airport is being designed to accommodate 737s and various members of the A320 family.

While the airline has cut its size by almost since last August, it has grown considerably at its second base in Bacau. Case in point: Blue Air’s parent group also owns the management company of Bacau Airport. Additionally, the airline has outlined additional route cuts with the closing of Bucharest-Lisbon line by the end of this summer. The airline will also close six more Bucharest routes at the end of winter 2012.

Will having a powerful parent turn out to be the X-factor that many LCCs are looking for? To know more about the strategies of low cost airlines visit Low Cost Airlines Congress 2011.