ATW Daily News

Pegasus partners with Kyrgyzstan

Friday October 16, 2009

Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen-based Pegasus Airlines has formed a joint venture with state-run Kyrgyzstan Airlines, Pegasus GM Sertac Haybat confirmed to ATWOnline.

Pegasus will have a 49% stake in the venture to be named Kyrgyz Pegasus Airlines, which should become operational next month and will begin by offering low-fare flights from Bishkek to Russia, China, Kazakhstan and Turkey aboard 737NGs wet-leased from Pegasus. The number of aircraft has not been determined.

"We want to make Bishkek a hub in Central Asia for flights from east to west. Furthermore, the Bishkek-Istanbul route offers connections through our Sabiha Gokcen base to many European destinations we serve," Haybat said, adding that the JV offers a way to expand in markets protected by single-designation agreements, "which favor one certain airline in Turkey."

Airlines certified by Kyrgyzstan authorities are banned from operating to the EU. However, Haybat strongly dismissed assertions that Kyrgyzstan Airlines' inclusion on the EU blacklist will affect the Pegasus image negatively. "We believe the contrary," he argued. "The Pegasus aircraft and its operation by Pegasus crew and maintenance by Pegasus technicians is the seal of safety in this JV. Pegasus has an excellent track record when it comes to safety and this will be the same in the new JV." Pegasus is IOSA certified.

by Cathy Buyck

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