News

Prague Airport Newsletter_March 2013

Prague Airport Newsletter_March 2013

Web version of the newsletter: http://prgaero.user.mailkit.eu/mc/CUQEQCVCLLQVQQQCUUVMIMMMJVTKPFLZ

Services & Facilities

RECONSTRUCTION OF SECURITY CHECKPOINTS

In March 2013, a reconstruction of the central security checkpoints took place on the departure level of Terminal 2, motivated by the goal to extend the handling tracks before and after the X-ray scanning, bringing enhanced comfort to passengers waiting for the security check and speeding up the process. In the second stage, currently in progress, new information LCD monitors displaying instructional videos will be installed at the checkpoints to improve passengers’ awareness about the security check. Starting from May, the security assistants will be present at the checkpoints to help passengers with preparation for screening, speeding up their passage through the control.

EasyGo RAPID PASSPORT CONTROL E-GATES AWARDED “IT PROJECT OF THE YEAR”

The EasyGO self-service passport control check-in facility for passengers at Václav Havel Airport Prague has been voted the winner of the prestigious IT Project of the Year 2012 contest. Awards were handed out by a special evaluation committee, along with the Steering Committee of the Czech Information Technology Managers’ Association, which brings together leaders in information technology. The first EasyGo self-service E-gates were installed at the airport in December 2011. When introduced, EasyGO was the first facility of its kind in Central and Eastern Europe. Last year, the system was used by more than 130,000 passengers, many of them repeatedly.

Network Expansion

NEW FLIGHTS TO EAST MIDLANDS WITH JET2.COM

The UK’s low cost carrier Jet2.com is going to increase the number of destinations operated from Václav Havel Airport Prague. As of the 2013 winter schedule, a new scheduled connection to East Midlands will be added to the existing four routes to Edinburgh, Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle. The direct connection to East Midlands airport will be launched on 7th November 2013. During the 2013/2014 winter schedule, the route will be flown twice a week, on Thursdays and Sundays. Starting with the 2014 summer season, operations of four weekly frequencies on the route are planned. More information and bookings are available at www.jet2.com.

Operations

SUMMER TIMETABLE 2013
On Sunday, 31st March, the new 2013 summer schedule became effective at Václav Havel Airport Prague Airport Newsletter_March 2013Prague. Among countries with the greatest number of summer destinations is Italy, with thirteen locations, followed by Russia with twelve, and Greece and Great Britain with nine destinations each. The most frequent flights - up to ten a day - will connect Prague with Paris/Charles de Gaulle, nine flights a day will head to Sheremetyevo in Moscow and eight services will list Frankfurt as its final destination. A total of 51 airlines will be offering flights to 111 regular destinations from Václav Havel Airport Prague.

News from Airlines

EASYJET’S LAUNCH OF FLIGHTS TO EDINBURGH AND MANCHESTER
On 21st March, Václav Havel Airport Prague welcomed the easyjet low cost airline's inaugural flight from Edinburgh and on 27th March, easyJet launched its new scheduled flights from/to Manchester. Passengers on the inaugural flights were treated to small refreshments and a glass of wine at the departure gate. The new service to Edinburgh is operated four times a week – on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, while the Prague-Manchester route offers three weekly flights – on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. easyJet now connects Prague with the total of nine destinations. Further information is available at www.easyjet.com.

CZECH AIRLINES ADDED CONNECTION TO PERM
CSA Czech Airlines started to operate regular service between Prague and Perm in Russia on 31st March. CSA offers two weekly flights on the new route, leaving Prague on Thursdays and Sundays and coming back from Perm on Fridays and Mondays. The flights are operated by an Airbus A319 aircraft type. Perm became the eighth destination in Russia in the network of Czech Airlines. Learn more at www.czechairlines.com.

PRAGUE-KYIV SERVICE LAUNCHED BY UKRAINE INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES
Also on 31st March, Ukraine International Airlines, the flag carrier of Ukraine, launched its scheduled flights on the Prague-Kyiv/Borispol route. UIA provides daily connection on the route between Prague and the Ukrainian capital, taking over the operation of Aerosvit Airlines that ceased its flights to/from Prague in January. The new UIA’s service is operated by a Boeing B737-300 aircraft type with a capacity of 135 seats. Additional information is available at www.flyuia.com.

CSA HAS ESTABLISHED A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
The Czech government has approved the sale of a 44 percent stake in Czech Airlines to Korean Air, finalising the selection process of a strategic investor for the national carrier. Working with CSA, Korean Air plans to make Prague one of its European hubs. In line with this strategy, CSA shall provide transport to Korean Air transferring passengers around Europe, increasing the use of the CSA existing capacity and supporting development of Václav Havel Airport Prague as a point of transfer. Korean Air is also committed to help enhance CSA’s long-haul operations.