Intercontinental Routes 99% Discount for Landing
In order to stimulate air traffic and develop connectivity, the management team of SOF Connect has developed a special programme aimed at airlines. The purpose is to provide more opportunities for travellers from Sofia Airport and efficient usage of the airport infrastructure. The discounts for airlines is applicable for the period 1 October – 31 December 2021, and after further consultations, the period may be extended to 2022.
A strategic goal of the airport operator is to launch intercontinental flights to North America and Asia. The discount provided to the carrier amounts to 99% of the landing fee.
Other priority of the management team is to turn Sofia Airport into a regional hub and to promote transfer traffic. In line with this a discount of 60% is planned for transfer passengers on scheduled international and domestic routes.
For the development of tourism, stimulation of the Bulgarian economy and connectivity of the regions, SOF Connect also provides incentives for domestic flights. Carriers with regular passenger services to Bоurgas and Varna will enjoy a landing fee discount of 70% and 90% respectively.
To develop the network of direct scheduled flights and provide better air connectivity, a discounted parking fee for Sofia-based aircraft has been introduced. For parking more than 3 aircraft of one airline, the discount is 15%, and for more than 6 aircraft is 30%.
“The new programme aims to stimulate traffic by providing opportunities to open new destinations, increase flight frequencies, attract new airlines and create strategic, long-term partnerships. All this is for passengers benefit with more choices in planning their journeys. Our actions are also aimed at developing tourism and the economy, which are an integral part of the aviation business”, said Jesus Caballero, CEO of SOF Connect.
For the first three months (May, June and July 2021) of the new operator, four airlines – El Al, Tarom, British Airways and Aeroflot – resume flights. The new seasonal destinations for Sofia Airport are Corfu, Rhodes and Thessaloniki. There is a trend of increasing flight frequencies for most operating airlines in the summer months of July and August.