Aeroflot expands presence at Budapest Ferihegy Airport

Aeroflot Russian Airlines has decided to noticeably expand its presence at Budapest’s Ferihegy Airport, by increasing frequency on the route connecting the Hungarian capital to Moscow. Aeroflot will now add an extra three daily flights, bringing the total number of departures from Budapest-Ferihegy to Moscow to four. Additionally, Aeroflot has clearly set its sights on the Budapest market, as it plans to use larger (Airbus A-320) planes for all four daily flights.

Industry analysts believe that this move may make Malev Hungarian Airlines-Aeroflot’s only competitor in Budapest-quite nervous and Hungary’s flag carrier may also try to increase its presence in Moscow, in order to maintain its share of the market. Malev-which is currently dominated by Russian interests and investors-has already planned to play a greater role in Eastern Europe and Russia.

There has also been some speculation that Aeroflot might use its expanded presence on the Moscow to Budapest route as an opportunity to transport Chinese merchandise to southern Hungarian and Balkan countries, through the Hungarian capital. The airline, however, has now turned away from these plans, noting that the operation may prove to be unprofitable.

Aeroflot currently operates a fleet of 81 planes and serves 95 destinations throughout the world.

Thank you to Caboodle Online for the initial report.

www.aeroflot.com