Cheap Flights on Estonian Air . Book online Estonian Air fares.
Estonian Air Travel/Flight Information
Cheap Flights on Estonian Air . Book online Estonian Air fares.
From humble beginnings, Estonian Air has grown into an important European Airline in a short space of time, operating flights to some 21 destinations across the continent.
The airline was founded in December 1991, immediately after Estonian independence was restored following decades of Soviet occupation.
Since then, like the country it calls home, the airline has seen many changes.
As Estonia has grown economically, politically and socially - to the point where it joined the EU in 2004 - so its national airline has grown to reflect the country's changing needs.
When it started in 1991, the airline operated Soviet-built aircraft, but it was quickly accepted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), gaining membership in 1992.
In 1993, Estonian Air became a member of the IATA-MITA (IATA Multilateral Interline Traffic Agreements).
Shortly afterwards the airline signed its first joint venture agreement, with Finland's Amadeus group, which resulted in the creation of a distribution network providing support to travel agents, known as Amadeus-Eesti.
In 1995, the airline reached a milestone in its history, as it began the phased withdrawal of its antiquated, Soviet-made jets from service, to be replaced by brand new Boeings.
The first of the new planes was a Boeing 737-500s built especially for Estonian Air, but leased from the International Lease Finance Corporation, which began flying in July 1995.
This new aircraft was swiftly followed by a second 737, which began operations in 1996.
Later the same year, Estonian Air leased two Fokker 50s from Maersk Airlines, a Danish carrier.
These two types of aircraft form the backbone of Air Estonia's fleet to this day.
In the same year, the Estonian government seized upon the opportunity to privatise this increasingly successful venture and the Estonian investment company AS Cresco bought up a large stake in the business.
Estonian Air continued to grow and expand over the second half of the 90s, launching a frequent flyer program in 1997.
In 1998 its status as an international player was confirmed by the signing of a long-term cooperation agreement with the SAS Scandinavian, a major international airline, and beginning of code share flights with its Latvian neighbour's national airline, Air Baltic.
The following year Estonian Air began full code-sharing operations with SAS on the routes from Tallinn to the Scandinavian capitals, Stockholm, Oslo and Copenhagen.
In 2001, in a sign of the growing acceptance of Estonian independence by its former imperial masters, Estonian Air signed a code-sharing agreement with the Russian national carrier, Aeroflot.
2002 saw the airline dramatically cut its prices, slashing the cost of economy-class seats sevenfold, as it began to compete with UK and Irish-based low cost carriers.
In September of 2003, the Airline's potential profitability was recognised by the SAS group, which joined forces with Maersk to buy 49 per cent of Estonian Air's shares.
The Estonian government now owns 34 per cent of the company, SAS 49 per cent and AS Cresco owns the rest.
Estonian Air continued to add new aircraft to its fleet, buying new 737s in 2006 and 2007.
Last year it launched Estonian Air Regional, a subsidiary dedicated to connecting the country with the surrounding region.
Today, Estonian Air is a successful internationally-owned company, which conforms to the highest standards in safety and customer service.
Estonian Air's business class service includes a delicious complimentary in-flight meal, no charge for rebooking or name changes on tickets, 30 kg of free luggage allowance on flights, business lounge access and is fully refundable during its 12-month validity period.
The flexible economy option also comes with little extras that aren't included in the standard economy ticket.
Estonian Air's onboard menu is rich and varied. The effort to use only local raw materials should be perceptible to the passengers. All soft drinks and alcohol served on the plane are free of charge.
Like the country it represents, Estonian Air has grown into a successful player on the international scene in a very short space of time.
The airline, which offers comfortable and convenient flights at bargain prices, has a bright future.
If you want the very cheapest airfares that Estonian Air can offer, be sure to book through Major Travel.
Cheap Flights on Estonian Air . Book online Estonian Air fares.
Last updated: 21st August 2008
