Wizz Air announced today that it has completed another remarkable year, with a record number of passengers, with the massive expansion of the transport network and with the global recognition of the quality of services and business. During the last 12 months WIZZ added 9 aircraft to the fleet, increased the offer with 17 new destinations and expanded the network constantly with more than 100 of new routes.
23 millions of passengers carried in 2016
WIZZ has carried 23 millions of passengers in 2016, in 19% increase over the previous year. At the end of the year, the company connects 134 destinations from 40 countries, with a total of 519 routes for sale. Throughout the year, WIZZ added nine Airbus A321 ultra-efficient aircraft to its fleet and created over 400 direct jobs, the total number of team members now exceeding 3.000.
The Wizz Air fleet consists of 74 of Airbus A320 and Airbus A32 aircraft1, which operates from 25 bases in 13 countries in Central and Eastern Europe. Two additional bases, already announced, in Chisinau and the Varna They will begin operations in March and July 2017.
In 2016, Wizz Air's constant development and excellent service have been recognized with world-renowned awards. WIZZ was named Value Airline of the Year 2016 from Air Transport World (ATW), one of the leading providers of multimedia information and services for the global aviation market and Low Cost Airline of the Year by Center for Aviation (CAPA), an important provider of information and analysis on the airline industry.
The company was also registered with the company International Air Transport Association (IATA), Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), the leading global organization in aviation safety recognition.
In 2016, Wizz Air, the largest airline in Romania, carried over 5,5 millions of passengers on its low-fare routes in Romania, up 23% from the previous year and had operations that facilitated 4.000 seats. work in related industries.
Wizz Air has demonstrated its commitment to the country, and during 2016 opened two new bases, in Iasi and Sibiu, and added two new airports, Satu Mare and Suceava, the network in Romania, which now consists of ten airports.
Wizz Air: plans for 2017
For 2017 WIZZ has already announced the addition of new aircraft to the bases in Cluj-Napoca and Craiova, as well as the initiation of 15 new routes to 9 countries in Romania. This year Wizz Air will have 22 aircraft at bases in Romania, including 5 ultra-efficient Airbus A321 aircraft with 230 seats, and will reach 750 employees. The WIZZ flight network in Romania is currently made up of 133 routes, including an internal flight between Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca.
József Váradi, Chief Executive Officer of Wizz Air, said: “2016 was an exceptional year for Wizz Air. We have maintained our solid position as a leader and the largest low-cost airline in Central and Eastern Europe, and at the same time, our excellence in services and safety has been recognized by outstanding global distinctions. Our efficient, ultra-low-cost model will allow us to continue our significant growth and constantly expand our network to best meet the needs of our passengers. We will continue to offer the lowest possible rates together with a complete experience, to ensure the added value to all our customers. "