Introduction
Air Lituanica was one of the most iconic airlines in the Lithuanian aviation industry. Founded in 2012, Air Lituanica quickly established itself as the go-to airline for Lithuanian travelers. Unfortunately, the airline went bankrupt in 2019 due to a variety of financial and operational problems. This article will look at the rise of Air Lituanica, its challenging times and the final flight of the airline.
The Rise of Air Lituanica
Air Lituanica was founded in 2012 with the aim of providing low-cost, safe and reliable air transportation for Lithuanian travelers. The airline quickly grew in popularity and, by 2013, had become the country’s largest airline, carrying over 500,000 passengers per year. It was the first Lithuanian-owned airline to offer international flights and had routes to major cities such as Paris, Copenhagen, and Helsinki.
In addition to its success in Lithuania, Air Lituanica also gained international recognition. In 2014, the airline was selected as one of the top 10 start-ups in Europe by the European Commission. This helped to further consolidate the airline’s reputation as a reliable and trustworthy carrier.
Challenging Times for Lithuania’s First Airline
Despite its initial success, Air Lituanica began to struggle in 2016. The airline was hit by a series of operational and financial difficulties, such as high fuel costs, lack of sufficient aircraft and competition from low-cost airlines. This led to a sharp decline in ticket sales and, in 2017, Air Lituanica was forced to stop all international flights and focus solely on domestic routes.
The airline’s financial woes were further compounded by the fact that the Lithuanian government refused to provide any financial assistance. This, combined with a lack of investors, made it increasingly difficult for Air Lituanica to stay afloat.
The Final Flight of Air Lituanica
In 2019, Air Lituanica officially declared bankruptcy and its last flight took place on the 27th of October. This marked the end of the airline’s seven-year journey and, for many, the end of an era.
Although the airline’s demise is undoubtedly a huge loss for the Lithuanian aviation industry, Air Lituanica’s legacy will live on. The airline served as a symbol of Lithuanian resilience and determination, and it is no doubt a source of pride for many Lithuanians.
Conclusion
Air Lituanica was an iconic airline with a mission to provide low-cost, safe and reliable air transportation to Lithuanian travelers. Despite its initial success, the airline eventually succumbed to a variety of financial and operational difficulties and officially declared bankruptcy in 2019. Despite the sadness of its demise, Air Lituanica’s legacy will live on as a symbol of Lithuanian resilience and determination.
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