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NIKI airlines, 20 new destinations for Kosovo citizens
NIKI - the airline of three times F1 champion Niki Lauda - is going to operate scheduled flights to/from Pristina starting from 29JUN11. Being member of the airberlin group, passengers will be offered connections via our hub in Vienna to more than 20 destinations all over Europe such as Paris, Rome, Milan, Frankfurt, Munich, Stockholm, Moscow, Düsseldorf, Hannover, Berlin and many more.
The flights will be operated by A321 (212Y), A320 (180Y) and most likely E190 (112Y) two times a week.
All flights can be booked at www.flyniki.com
General Director of Antalya Airport manages Prishtina
His long experience is expected to serve Prishtina International Airport and to the civil Aviation in Kosovo especially at imputing the new standards and investments of 100 million Euros that the consortium is expected to do during the next three years and also to the increase of passengers number up to 4 million within 20 next years which is one of the company’s goals as well.
The general Manager Ferda Yakar born on the city of Izmir in Turkey before being appointed as director of PIA ’Adem Jashari‘ has managed the Antalya Airport which has around 24 million passengers per year.
‚ It is normal that we have changes between Antalya airport and Prishtina Airport, as you are aware that Antalya is one of the main world tourism destinations in Turkey. This airport serves more than 24 million passengers per year. And at this point of view ANP ‚Adem Jashari‘ is a smaller airport but our objectives are to expand this airport and make it as the main airport of the region‘ said Ferda Yakar-General Director of the PIA ‚Adem Jashari.
According to the company’s plan in the end of this month we will begin the investments foreseen according to contract between the Kosovo Government and concessioner, for building a new terminal of 25 thousand meter square, building the tower , parking lot etc.
‚By completing these investment our objectives are that the passenger nr. served by PIA ‚Adem Jashari‘ will reach and pass 4 million passengers within 20 next years. It is not an easy task but with the measures that we plan to take by having a new terminal, competition between airlines and by creating easy ways in order to increase the passengers nr. this objective will be reached too. We will do the best to make Prishtina Airport the most attractive airport in the region‘ said further General Director Ferda Yakar.
The consortium Limak & Airport De Lyon MAS currently it is renovating the existing facilities in order to create more commodity conditions for the employees and passengers until we build the new terminal.
Prishtina is being connected with capital of Switzerland
Initially this new airline will start with one flight per week BERN-PRISHTINE-BERN until 15th June 2011 , and after this date they are positive that according to the market demands they will increase the flights number up to 4 flights per week.
In this occasion during the inauguration event of this flight to this destination the representative of this company Mrs. Nathalie Scheurer said: âWe are happy to have started today with the first flight from/to Bern-Prishtina/ we are also optimist that depending on the market demands we will increase the nr of flights from one to four flights per week. We also aim to have cheaper prices in the market by not increasing them during the busiest seasons but to keep the same prices through out the year‘.
While the Managing Director of Limak Kosovo International Airport, Ferda Yakar said:
âOn 4th of April we marked a milestone event, by taking the full management responsibilities of the airport and today, only two weeks later we’re here to promote the new destination to/from Bern-Prishtina.We will look forward to future strategies in attracting new airlines and new destinations, which will have a positive influence in increasing the number of passengers and flights, and achieve even greater results in the 20 coming years. Our company will continue to give its best efforts to meet each client needs that are not only our clients but our partners as well in development of our airport‘.
Now, Limak Kosovo International Airport covers all the destinations of Switzerland.
Competition in between airlines increases, Lufthansa enters in Prishtina Airport
Competition in between airlines is expected to take place in regard to the German and Italian flight market where the biggest part of our compatriots is concentrated, a market not quite exploited yet.
Biggest notable newness related to the next year’s summer season, which commences in March, are entry in market, for the very first time, of the biggest German and European airline ‘Lufthansa’, with 4 scheduled flights from the city of Düsseldorf and flights of the Slovenian airline ‘Adria Airways’ expected to start with 5 flights per day to the different German cities.
Increase in flight number is also expected by another giant ‘British Airways’ with 6 direct flights a week to London, ‘Easy Jet’ with minimum of 5 scheduled flights a week and 7 flights in the peak season, and ‘Malev’ expected to double its flights from current 7 to 14 flights during a week, etc.
“We are very satisfied with the interest of new airlines in terms of commencing with flights and increase of the number of frequency by the airlines already present at PIA. Bringing of these airlines to Prishtina and establishing of the loyal competition, through providing of the good conditions and increase of the attractiveness to airlines, was actually our aim that will lead to price reduction of the tickets for passengers. A free market and loyal competition automatically translates in cheaper tickets for passengers”, said Agron Mustafa, Managing Director of the Prishtina International Airport „Adem Jashari“.
PIA “Adem Jashari” is expected to have over 1.3 million passengers this year, which represents highest figure of passengers that has ever passed through this company, but according to the Director Mustafa, even without visa liberalization for citizens of Kosova, real opportunities exists to increase the number of passengers in a very fast time in a minimum of 200 up to 300 thousand passengers.
“We have available survey which clearly indicates that less than 300 thousand citizens of Kosova, from about 400 thousand ones that lives in Germany, flies with aircraft or less than one passenger per capita (per person), expressed so. Meanwhile, situation with Switzerland is contrary one. From about 200 thousand Kosovar’s that lives there, over 350 thousand passengers fly per year from this country. In this segment, we consider that the Germany’s market would bring even more passengers if the market continuous to liberalize further more and ticket price reduces further”, emphasized Director Mustafa.
Harsh competition is also expected regarding the Italian market.
“Belleair Europe” also with 6 times a week from Italy (Ancona, Verona, Bergamo, Venetia) to Kosova and vice versa, whilst ‘Eagles Airlines’, from December begins with 6 flights per week from Italy (Venetia, Bergamo and Rome) to Kosova and vice versa.
Since mid December, ‘Belleair Europe’ plans to commence with 10 flights per week and to other destinations in Germany and Belgium.
Airport, 1 millionth passenger passed in September
This statistic represents an increase of over 85 thousand passengers, or almost 10 percent more for this nine month period of time, expressed in percentage.
Until the end of September 2009, 923 thousand passengers have passed through PIA, whilst whole year was closed with estimated 1.2 million passengers.
During this year, forecasts are that number of passengers will exceed a figure of 1.3 million passengers, which represents a huge achievement having in mind that only two years earlier, exactly in November 2008, festivity took place for the first time in the history of the company regarding passage of 1 millionth passenger, awarding him with a free ticket and treating the event as a particular one.
"For two years only we have an increase of almost 400 thousand passengers, which represents a particularity not only for a region but also wider. All of this was achieved thanks to the great work of all PIA employees, by creating conditions for growth of competition in between airlines in terms of bringing new airlines to market, which has normally caused reduction of ticket prices and automatic increase of passengers, said Agron Mustafa, Managing Director of Prishtina International Airport.
According to him, reduction of ticket prices during these two years could have been seen by each compatriot.
"Few days ago I have heard an interesting history. One of our citizens that lives in Prishtina, married with a Swiss wife, made a birthday surprise to his wife, without her prior knowledge, by surprisingly bringing her mother and two friends of her as a present for her birthday. All this only for 300 francs with one of the airlines already present in the PIA. Not so long ago, this was impossible and would have cost thousands of Euros", claimed Director Mustafa, by illustrating an example of reduction of ticket prices and saying that there are many such cases.
Meanwhile, number of flights in comparison to last year preliminary period has increased about 6 percent, or expressed in figures, during these 9 months 4642 flights were realized of 4383 flights realized a year ago.
"Continuous increase of the number of passengers and flights, and the potential of this number to move freely up to 2 million passengers within a short time with same capacities that we have, was main factor of arrival of a very good bid by the private company regarding concession, such was that of Turkish – French consortium Limak-Aeroport de Lyon that has offered, in average, about 39 percent of gross income and a investment of 100 million Euros for the Republic of Kosova during next 20 years. These investments are more than necessary ones and are to be finished in a most emergent possible manner since that, as public is also aware, PIA’s personnel works in conditions that are not usual and unsuitable infrastructure in order to cope with this huge number of passengers. We have made and are continuing to make improvisations to treat passengers best that we can", concluded Managing Director, Agron Mustafa.
Airport upgrades in category, currently landing with only 300 metres visibility
This came due to the significant investments that were made during all this time, which enables aircraft to land in weather with fog and visibility of only 300 metres.
Until now, official limit of the aircraft landing in weather with fog was 700 metres.
“Recently finished capital investments and fulfilment of a series of other safety conditions and standards required as per domestic and international regulations in the field of civil aviation, which were officially confirmed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Kosova following many inspections, allows us to upgrade in a higher category of operation, from the I category to the II category. During winter season and particularly in weather with fog, this enables to be more operative and flexible in relation to aircraft flights. This will also help a lot in the avoidance of crowding and loss of precious time for passengers”, said Agron Mustafa, Managing Director of Prishtina International Airport.
According to him, International Organizations and airlines that do operate in Prishtina International Airport will be notified through the global aeronautic telecommunication system for this important change at PIA.
On the other hand, Driton Gjonbalaj, Director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Kosova, emphasized that in order to upgrade to the II level category of the airports, an extraordinary work was done by the Prishtina International Airport.
“Civil Aviation Authority of Kosova has approved the request of Prishtina International Airport to operate with the Instrument Landing System of the category II. This system enables landing even in the lower atmospheric visibility. In addition to significant investments in the infrastructure and lighting, Prishtina International Airport was about to fulfil also a number of conditions in respect of requirements of safety standards of the Chicago convention, which is applicable in the Republic of Kosova, too. PIA has fulfilled these standards and henceforward this airport can provide more advanced services of the landing and take-offs” said Driton Gjonbalaj, Director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Kosova.
According to him, this advancement will be announced to the worldwide civil aviation industry through the global aeronautic telecommunication net.
Airport, July brings 20 thousand passengers more
As far as in last July 151 thousand passengers has passed through PIA, this time their number was over 170 thousand or some 13 percent more than in a previous period of time.
In the first place, increase of number of passengers in July and overall during the whole calendar year is attributed to the increase of the competition in between airlines and ticket price reduction as aftermath.
During last year, 2009, 666 thousand passengers have passed through PIA until July, whilst total number for this year’s period is 728 thousand, or a difference of 62 thousand passengers.
In percentage, annual increase of number of passengers for a period of 7 months is 9.24 percent.
“Main reason for an increase in the number of passengers consists in the increase of capacities by the airport and increase of the competition in between airlines. This has brought also to a ticket price reduction. Each citizen of Kosova that has travelled this year can do the difference in the price of the ticket that they’ve bought this year comparing to the last year. We are satisfied in terms of our engagement to bring most recognized airlines in the world that operate with low prices, which has reflected in ticket prices”, said Agron Mustafa, Managing Director of Prishtina International Airport.
Besides number of passengers, considerable increases have had also flights of airlines.
During the period of 7 months of 2010, 3 thousand and 400 hundred flights were operated in PIA, from 3.150 that were operated in the previous period of 2009, or an increase by 7.5 percent in the flight number.
Currently, except traditionally recognized airlines such British Airways, Austrian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Swiss, Malev, Croatia Airlines, Adria Airways etc, well-known airlines for low costs or so called Low Cost Carriers (LLC’s) such Easy Jet, Air Berlin etc. has begun to operate.
Lately, interest to operate was presented also by Lufthansa, a prominent German airline.
EasyJet flights commences, flight number increases in winter
There are some important moments related to the commencing of flights by EasyJet. First moment is commercial and political one also since we’re dealing with a giant airline that has already entered in Kosovo and this fact represents a very good signal for other foreign investor that base their investment following entry of big companies in different countries.
Another moment are safety conditions that PIA fulfills and proves them, and third, possibly most important moment, is establishing of a competition aiming towards highest possible reduction of ticket prices for citizens of Kosova" said Agron Mustafa, Managing Director of Prishtina International Airport.
Tickets of this airline flights from Switzerland to Kosovo and/or vice versa were available in sale since couple of months ago and according to officials of this airline estimated 20 percent of tickets are sold with initial price starting from 39 Swiss francs.
Low cost carriers, such as EasyJet, provide only online tickets and as much as earlier reserved and paid, tickets cost cheaper.
„These new routes provide us with an opportunity to finally offer convenient tickets for Kosovar families’ that lives in Switzerland and thus have a possibility to pay a visit to their relatives. We do also expect an opportunity for residents of Kosova to visit Switzerland due to pleasure or business reasons. Regarding flights, we have received a strong response during first months in terms of fast ticket reservation. Hence, we have decided to increase the capacity from BSL and GVA from two flights per week into three flights per week during winter season. We expect to carry some 20.000 passengers from the beginning of operation until the end of summer season, respectively 24th of October 2010 “: said Peter Voets, Marketing Manager of EasyJet.
Airport, 10 million Euros dividends for Kosovo budget
Today, the Board of Directors of Pristina International Airport, at a regular meeting has approved the transfer of over 10 million Euros from the company account to the Kosovo budget, on behalf of dividends or net profits for 2009.
Sharing the dividends presents a historical step for the company as it is the first time the airport shares dividends to the shareholder, in this case to the Kosovo Government and Budget.
Pristina International Airport until 2007 has worked at a loss and in order to complete some investments had received loans from commercial banks and Government of Kosovo, loans that were returned during 2009 in the amount of approximately five million Euros.
"Sharing the dividends and transfer of 10 million Euros from the account of the Company in the budget of Kosovo is a special moment not only because it is happening for the first time, but for another reason that demonstrates effective management and corporate governance of the company along these years, "said Managing Director of PIA, Agron Mustafa.
According to him, just three years ago the airport has worked with minimal loss or profits and since 2008 succeeded to provide good profits, which increased the attractiveness of the company during the concession period.
âOffer provided by the concessionaire, the company de Lyon Airport - Limak, awarding 40 percent of gross revenue over 20 years and completing the investments of 100 million Euros, is based on profits and positive parameters that we have reached to provide and promote our company in various countries of the world, "said further Mustafa.
Year 2009, which assured dividend of 10 million Euros, was one of the best years in terms of number of flights and passengers, reaching and surpassing the figure of 1. 2 million passengers.
Growth trend has continued during 2010.
According to statistics during these five months of this year revenues increased 12 percent, the number of passengers has increased 10 percent while the number of flights over 10 percent.
Airport, 1.2 million passengers and around 11 million euros net earnings in 2009
Prishtina International Airport is closing a year of 2009 with an extraordinary figure of increase in passengersâ number , flights and net earnings, in comparison to the previous year, 2008.
“There are around 11 million euros earnings in 2009, or more than 50 percent from 2008, when net earnings in PIA were around 7 million euros. Earnings, realised this year, overcomes all predictions”, said Managing Director Agron Mustafa, adding that total of overall incomes of the company will be around 30 million euro including some of the extraordinary income.
Further more he said that the difference comparing to the previous years while the earnings of the company were invested in capital projects, in 2010 capital investments are reduced in minimum and earnings will not be invested but accumulated and for their faith will decide the shareholder, in this case the Government of Kosovo.
“Gladly, I may declare that in the moment of awarding the Airport to concession, we will be able to leave to the shareholder, respectively Government – budget of Kosovo an amount of approximately 10 million euro, on behalf of dividend. This amount would have been bigger, but the airport had capital investments of couple of millions of euro in last years and in August of 2009 we have paid out an credit of 5.4 million euro received two years ago, which undoubtedly has impacted the flow of airport’s cash, a flow that nonetheless is again positive”, said Mustafa.
Number of passengers during this year is increased for some 6 percent in comparison to 2008, whilst increase in number of flights goes from 17 up to 20 percent.
“We are closing the year with figures that are extraordinary successful and promising ones for the future of the company. Expressed in percentage, increase in number of passengers goes in some 6 percent, which represents a considerable figure taking into account the economic crisis and decrease in number of passengers almost in each of the airports in the region and further”, said PIAs’ Managing Director, Agron Mustafa.
Last year, over 1 million and 100 thousand commercial passengers passed through the airport, whilst this year number of passengers reached over 1.2 million of commercial passengers.
In 2008, for the first time, figure of over 1 million of commercial passengers was achieved and overcome.
“In addition to increase passengers number, increase in number of flights also appears to be impressive. Comparing to 2008, we have handled around 1,000 aircrafts more”, said further director Mustafa.
According to him, reason of such big increase in flights number, 17 up to 20 percent or around 1000 flights more, is the fact that PIA begun to operate 24 hours and 7 days a week and by providing the Incentive Program to Airliners.
“24 hours operation and Incentive Program for Airliners turned many airlines to increase the number of flights and some others to increase their interest towards commencing flights, for the first time, to and from Prishtina International Airport. We have airlines, which after night shift operation and the incentive program, now flies 14 times a week instead of previous number of 7 flights. Most of the airlines, generally, have increased flights due to the benefits arising from this program, which caused the number of flights to be higher for about 1,000 flights”, confirmed Mustafa.
EasyJet: Initial application is finished, decision in December
Representatives of „EasyJet“, as one of most recognized airline known with its cheapest services in the world, said that airline that they run will bring some concrete decisions regarding the number of flights and other details of cooperating with Prishtina International Airport, during the December. „December 2009 is the time when EasyJet brings decisions for opening of new routes for summer season 2010 and that Prishtina International Airport, as a new destination for this airline, has great chances to get included in the list of destinations to provide air transportation services since June 2010. Therefore, initial application for slots is done (‚arrival and departure time‘) to PIA from our side“, declared Mr. Paul Croft, representative of EasyJet during a meeting that he had with PIAs’ delegation in IATA conference for slot allocation, held last week in the city of Montreal, Canada. Representatives of EasyJet commenced contacts with PIAs’ management since mid of 2008, whereas two weeks ago EasyJet moved to concrete actions by applying for flight slots two times a week, in destination Geneva – Prishtina and vice versa. „Application of well known company EasyJet to operate in Prishtina International Airport proves that this airport is among most attractive ones in the region. We, as management, together with the board of the company, besides moving to continuous 24 hours operation, have approved the Incentive Program for Airliners, where airlines that fly to Kosovo are offered different beneficiaries and stimulations and this program, by which many airlines benefit, already gave its effect. Number of flights has increased for 17 percent due to this program“, said Agron Mustafa, Managing Director of Prishtina International Airport. According to him, PIAs’ management is in the middle of attempts to bring Czech Airlines in Kosovo, as one of another recognized airline, known for their big fleet and cheap prices. We have presented Incentive Program for Airliners, as approved by us, and this airline has placed PIA in „short listing“ or in the short list of airports from where they can commence with new route of flights from Prague and vice versa, clearly said. Our aim, as PIAs’ management, is to increase as much as possible the competition and to provide better and cheaper opportunities to our passengers to fly in various destinations“, said further director Mustafa. Otherwise, in any place where EasyJet operates, it has applied cheap prices, as its strategy, towards competition. During nine months period of this year, this airline has realized incomes of 2.6 billion pounds by serving to 45.2 million of passengers. During this year, ticket of EasyJet airline was not expensive more than 30 English pounds. Flight from London to Italy costs only 30 English pounds, whilst to Germany it costs 29 pounds. Currently, EasyJet maintains regular flight routes in more than 100 cities and 27 countries in Europe. Prishtina International Airport, after commencing with 24 hours operation and approval of Incentive Program for Airliners during 2009, had a splendid increase in number of flights and passengers. During the November only, Swiss International and Air Berlin, as two airlines with great international reputation, begun with regular routes to and from Switzerland - Kosovo. Swiss company has begun almost with two flights a day, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon, whilst Air Berlin with 1 flight a day.
Different and special service for commercial VIP in the Airport
29 October 2009
Prishtina International Airport since 01st of November has decided to provide its new product that deals with different handling for all commercial VIP such businessmen, artists, singers, journalists, etc, as a practice that is offered in every other international airport.
Newest product of Prishtina International Airport is called “VIP Customer” and includes special services for these categories, following their arrival in the airport.
This service will be provided separately from VIP - Protocol, which includes high state and politics personalities.
“We have thought that different distinguished categories of society such: businessmen, artists, and singers, have needs in terms of more special respect and different handling like in all other airports. By the VIP Customer service, these categories during their stay in the airport will evoke a luxury, extraordinary and fast experience”, said Agron Mustafa, Managing Director of Prishtina International Airport.
Extra service to commercial VIP includes parking near the Terminal, Check-in by the Airport personnel without waiting and apart from other passengers, separate and fast control of the passport and accommodation in the Business lounge where they will find commodities and extra conditions.
In the Business lounge, commercial VIP will have a computer with wireless internet link, air condition, satellite television, alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages without limitation, sandwich, sweets and other fast foods.
Escort to aircraft is also provided with special vehicle for VIP, apart from other passengers, whilst during all the times VIP will be accompanied from the staff of the company that will give its maximum in order to provide their commodity.
“Provision of this service for commercial VIP comes following purchase and placing into function of the Ambulance Lift, which serves for carriage of handicapped persons from the Terminal to the aircraft. As management, we are committed to work towards fulfillment of needs for all society lays that travel through Prishtina International Airport”, said further Mustafa.
Prishtina International Airport expects this year to process at least 5% more passengers than last year. 1 millionth passenger was handled last Sunday, 20 days earlier than in 2008.
A millionth passenger, 20 days earlier than last year
25 October 2009
Today, in Prishtina International Airport, a millionth passenger has passed, almost 20 days earlier than last year; a statistic that provides optimism not only regarding the airport, but for whole economy of Kosovo, having in mind emphasized reduction of passenger figures worldwide.
Last year, a millionth passenger has passed Prishtina International Airport on the 12th of November.
“In 2008, for the first time in the history of this airport figure of 1 million passengers was reached and surpassed and a ceremony was organized in this regard. This year, if everything would have gone as usual, passing of the millionth passenger would not represent any news. But having in mind the crises and reduction of passenger figures in almost every airport in the region, passing of this passenger 20 days earlier than last year represents an optimistic statistic and considerable increase of number of passengers”, said Prishtina International Airport Managing Director, Agron Mustafa.
During 2008, Prishtina International Airport had a figure of 1 million and 137 thousand of commercial passengers and 100 thousand of military ones.
Expressed in figures, increase of number of passenger until this period, in comparison with last year, is around 5 percent, whilst flight number increased for 17 percent.
“Measures that we have conducted, in order to not involve in crises and to further increase number of passengers, such: commencing with work during night shift or open airport for 24 hours – action that has increased reception capacity of the airport, and incentive program for airlines that increased for 17 percent the flight number, produced their positive effect. We are very satisfied that we have not feet the crises for 2009”, said further PIA Managing Director, Agron Mustafa.
From publication of statistics in their websites, almost every airport in the region is included in the decrease of passenger number.
Skopje Airport has decrease in number of passengers by 7 percent; Belgrade Airport has decrease by 12 percent, whilst Zagreb and Ljubljana also have decrease in number of passengers by over 10 percent.
Airport, latest technology to serve people with limited abilities
04th October 2009
Citizens with limited abilities such handicaps, old age people, etc. since today will not be maltreated anymore by being carried with wheelchairs and physically to get onboard of the aircraft because Prishtina International Airport has placed in their service the latest modern technology, which will end up their lasting until now sufferings during carrying through airport.
It has to do with placing in function of the ambulance lift, an investment that has cost 175 thousand euro to the airport, which will transport in a modern and comfort manner all members of this category of people from Terminal up to the seats of the aircraft.
Placing ambulance lift into function was done in the presence of director of the Handikos, Afrim Maliqi and Office for Good Governing at the prime Minister’s Office.
“Today is a special day for me as Managing Director. During this year and last year as well, we have promoted some investments in dozens of euro million, but an investment like today’s one appears to be of a special importance. By this investment we are helping out a category of people, which at most needs to feel the hand of help by society”, said Managing Director of the Prishtina International Airport, Agron Mustafa.
According to him, purchase and placement of the ambulance lift in function was supposed to be conducted much earlier, but it was blocked by different reasons.
“When I took over the post of the Managing Director, my first promise was purchase of this ambulance lift. Now that promise is realized, while we can see how this modern technology is functioning out, it makes me feel so proud regarding my engagement. We have ended up sufferings of people with limited abilities and to PIA staff also that were until now maltreated by physically and primitively conducting carriage. It was exhausting for both parties”, said further Managing Director, Mr. Mustafa.
He clarified that purchase of this ambulance lift was done through open tender procedure with cost of 175 thousand euro.
On the other side, director of the association of people with limited abilities - Handikos, Afrim Maliqi, said that this ambulance lift represents a proper investment by the management of the Prishtina International Airport.
“I have heard earlier interview of the Managing Director Mr. Agron Mustafa, where he has promised purchase of the ambulance lift for people with limited abilities, which made me feel very good. Now that we are witnessing this promise being realized, we thank Managing Director for keeping its promise. It is a quite proper investment, which have facilitated very much carriage from Terminal up to the aircraft seats. It was an item that this Airport missed”, said director of the Handikos, Afrim Maliqi.
According to him, the society that he runs has identified in Kosovo some 18 thousand persons with limited abilities.
‘This category is travelling each day more and more. Only we have in our registers around 18 thousand persons with limited abilities, but their number is much higher in Kosovo. Ambulance lift besides that will help us in travelling outside Kosovo, will help out also incoming people of this category in Kosovo, with their often visits. But this ambulance lift can be used not only for our category of people with limited abilities, but also for carrying old people that has no force to walk through the aircraft stairs’, emphasized director of the Handikos, Mr. Maliqi.
According to records of Prishtina International Airport, almost in every flight there are one or more people with limited abilities departing or arriving in Kosovo.
Airport influences reduction of British Airways prices by 15 percent
24th September 2009
Prishtina International Airport, for the first time in its history, has influenced directly in reduction of ticket price through application of the Incentive Program for airlines. As a result of this program implementation, “British Airways” reduces its ticket prices from 25 up to 120 euro, depending on their sale prices within different time terms.
British prestigious flight company, British Airways, brought a decision for an immediate and long term reduction of prices for all tickets in destination Prishtina-London and vice versa.
Immediate decision of British Airways came after inclusion of this company in Incentive Program for airlines by the Prishtina International Airport management, program that was approved and supported couple of months ago by the PIAs’ Board of Directors.
This is the first time in the history of this airport that PIA influences directly in reduction of ticket prices for passengers.
Ticket prices are off by 15 percent in block, respectively by 25 up to 120 euro, depending on their sale prices within different time terms.
“PIAs’ Board, directed by me for more than a year, has supported the Management in compiling of the Incentive Program for airlines in order to provide as much as better conditions for airlines that would eventually lead towards reduction of ticket prices. We do greet this initiative of the company “British Airways” for this immediate positive reaction regarding reduction of prices. We do also call on other airlines to react on the same way”, said PIAs’ Chairman of the Board, Bekim Jashari.
Managing Director of Prishtina International Airport, Agron Mustafa, said that he feels personally very satisfied for reduction of ticket prices.
“Orientation towards the consumers, respectively creation of as much as better services for passengers and airlines and reduction of prices as well, was my aim since the momentum when I took the position of PIAs’ Managing Director. Incentive Program will give its effects not only to British Airways, which reduced its prices, but also to many other airlines that have applied and benefited from this program”, said PIAs’ Managing Director, Agron Mustafa.
According to him, regardless of initial waive of some incomes that would have been realized through tax after implementation of the program, those will be returned in other ways.
“We have high hopes regarding further increase of passengers number by implementation of this program”, said director Mustafa.
Whilst, state manager of the company British Airways for Albania and Kosovo, Albion Idrizi, emphasized that this price reduction is permanent and it came thanks to the work of PIAs’ management.
"This is not a seasonal, tactical or promotional reduction, but it’s a long term and comprehensive reduction as a result of expenses decrease in our company. Thanks to the indefatigable commitment of the Prishtina International Airport towards increase of the quality of PIA services last year, cost of operation for the only direct flight to London, excluding the cost for kerosene, will be reduced significantly in comparison to the same period of the last year. British Airways has decided to transfer this benefit directly to passengers and by this to encourage all local, regional and international subjects to continue with the process of air transport normalization, said manager of the British Airways, Albion Idrizi.
Incentive Program was approved for all other airlines after their application.
British Airways operates with four flights per week in destination Prishtina-London and vice versa, whilst during last year it had some 40 thousand passengers.
Airport, 7.6 million euro net profit up to August
16th September 2009
Prishtina International Airport has overcome every forecast regarding realization of incomes and earnings by reaching and overcoming annual plan since month of August, four months prior end of the year.
Until the end of this month, 7.6 million euro as net profit were realized, from an amount of 7.4 that were forecasted with projections from the beginning of the year and during budget review for 2009, conducted in June.
During 2008, annual earnings were in an amount of estimated 7 million euro.
“All of the forecasts for possible earnings, foreseen by the beginning of 2009 and by the budget review in June, are overcome. Really, annual plan is already realized, whilst there are four months remained until the end of the year. Hopefully, until the end of the year we will have net profit by, at least, 10 million euro”, said Altin Ahmeti, Coordinator for external relation of Prishtina International Airport.
According to him, company’s money turnover during this period was around 18.5 million euro.
Increase of passenger and flight number was noted, also.
Annually, comparing to 2008, number of passengers has increased over 5 percent, whereas number of flights for 17 percent.
Altogether, since beginning of the year until August, 827 thousand passengers have frequented Prishtina International Airport, whilst in the same period during 2008 there were 788 thousand passengers or around 40 thousand more.
Whereas, regarding flights, during these eight months 3890 flights were registered comparing to 3329 flights registered during 2008 for the same period or some 561 flights more than last year.
“Approach, as proclaimed by current PIA director Agron Mustafa, for being oriented towards clientele, respectively orientation towards improving and providing as much as qualitative services for airliners and passengers, has resulted with constant increase of passengers and flights number and net profits since mid 2008. This increase and the perspective for further increase represents most powerful point for increase of the real value of the airport, being in the eve of concession”, said coordinator Ahmeti.
As a result of orientation towards improvement of services, some airlines have entered to operations within market of the Kosovo with their scheduled lines.
Montenegro Airlines is the last one of them, which begun with daily flights to Prishtina from Podgorica and other European countries, whilst from 01st of November Swiss, recognized company form Switzerland, is expected to commence with scheduled flights, twice a day, in destination Zurich- Prishtina and vice versa.
Whereas, many of the existing airlines that operates in PIA have increased their flights number by benefiting from the Incentive Program that was placed into function some times ago by the PIA management.
Stoppage of tenders and procurements over 3.5 million euro in Airport
02nd September 2009
Altin Ahmeti
Managing Director of Prishtina International Airport Agron Mustafa brought a decision for stoppage of procurement activities and tenders in capital investments in a value of at least 3.5 million euro. This decision comes due to a short time remained until December, time foreseen for this Airport to undergo concession in accordance with Government of Kosovo plans. Eventual investments that may derive as necessary and emergent during this remained time period will be done in full coordination with inter-ministerial steering committee, in charge for airport concession award. Meanwhile, other investment approved by inter-ministerial steering committee such already ongoing tenders processes and those earlier finished with undersigned contracts will be implemented.
Decision of Managing Director got to do with different capital investments that were foreseen to be executed during the second part of 2009, budgeted as necessary investments for the Company.
Concretely, investment of 1 million euro for purchase and installing of a radar, investment of 1.5 million euro for purchase of different apron equipment, investment for Arrival Terminal refurbishment of 600 thousand euro are stopped; due to the fact that Arrival Terminal was not in a good condition, it was foreseen to be refurbished by taking a look as the VIP Centre, etc.
“By the decision of Managing Director Agron Mustafa, all activities and tender procedures are suspended and terminated for investments that were under execution or ongoing in an amount over 3.5 million euro. Reason is the fact that until the concession award there are only three months, said Coordinator for external relation of PIA, Altin Ahmeti.
According to him, stoppage of investments will not affect services being provided by PIA towards its clientele, airliners and passengers.
“Stopped investments, were approved for execution by the board of the company for further upgrading of services and increase of working efficiency. Increase of quality of services was primary one since Agron Mustafa was placed in a position of the director”, said further coordinator Ahmeti.
In Prishtina International Airport, mainly during last two years some 50 million euro was invested, as investments that were more than necessary and have increased too much the value of the company in market.
During these years, new runway was resurfaced in an amount of 14 million euro, new lighting was installed as investment with a cost of 6 million euro, perimeter fence and road in an amount of 1.5 million euro, 5 new busses in an amount of 1.8 million euro – as special apron busses, new baggage sorting system in an amount of over 2 million euro, VIP - centre in an amount of almost 1 million euro and dozens of other investments in smaller figures.
Airport will be concentrated on continuance of upgrading the services towards clientele until the arrival of private operator forecasted to manage the Airport.
Airport provides 4 month contracts to 120 seasonal employees
02 August 2009 
Strategic decisions of the management such: 24 hours functioning, increase of flight number for 17 percent in this semester, increase of passengers number and opening of VIP Terminal, has enhanced extraordinarily the work at the airport, whilst number of personnel currently is same as it was in 2006 when 880 thousand passengers, only, were served. To date, PIAs’ staff serves to 400 thousand passengers more or to 1 million and 250 thousand passenger per year.
Prishtina International Airport has decided to provide four month contracts to about 120 seasonal employees, due to enormous increase of the working volume within the company, in all of the sectors, aiming towards maintaining services for customers and companies at proper level.
Increase in the volume of works, which came due to strategic decisions of the management such: 24 hours work at the Airport, increase of flight number for 17 percent due to approval of the Incentive Program for airliners, 5 percent increase of passengers number, opening of VIP Terminal, etc., has placed services towards customers of the company in an critical position, especially during months of June and July.
Currently, number of employees at the Prishtina International Airport is 630, same as the one in 2006, when 880 thousand passengers were served, whereas now number of passengers has increased the figure of 1 million and 250 thousand passengers per year.
“There are estimated 400 thousand passengers more than in the 2006 that are served by the staff of our company, whilst that number of employees remained same. Therefore, it is impossible to continue working with the same number of employees. Services towards customers and companies during these months, particularly in June and July, were set in critical positions, which has forced the management to take such a decision for hiring seasonal personnel” said PIAs’ Coordinator for External Relations, Altin Ahmeti.
According to him, since the commencement of working in third shift, or during 24 hours, decision resulted to be very successful one because now during this schedule there are 3 airliners that fly and also during weekends there are 7 flights, and as such the necessity to hire new employees has emerged.
“Since April, when Airport started working during 24 hours, existing employees involved in operations used to work without any leave during weekends by over fulfilling official number of working hours, 172 regular hours per month and 40 over-time paid hours (additional paid working hours).
In most of the cases, many of employees managed to achieve at 80 overtime hours but company couldn’t pay them for more then 40 additional working hours because it is restricted by the law. We are thankful to these employees for their indefatigable work and provided assistance, whilst overtime hours will be compensated by day offs”, said further coordinator Ahmeti.
Hiring of seasonal employees with for month contracts was conducted commensurate to all regulations and laws of the Republic of Kosovo.
Vacancy announcement was promulgated during the month of April, by the company, with more then 4 thousand persons taking place, whereas during month of May and June some 500 persons were subject to the process of interviewing.
120 engaged employees in the Prishtina International Airport will be working in all of the sectors such: baggage handling, security, restaurant & bars, maintenance, stewardesses’ etc.
download below videos:
02.08 altin ahmeti 1.mpg 02.08 altin ahmeti 1.mpg 02.08 abdullah canolli.mpg 02.08 pamje aeroport.mpg
Airport repays 5.4 million euro credit to Raiffeisen Bank, 3 years earlier
20th July 2009
Prior to concession, Airport repays 5.4 million euro credit to Raiffeisen Bank.
Despite the credit repay at once, Prishtina International Airport has in its disposition 7.5 million euro more as cash deposited in bank. Repay of the credit 3 years earlier has saved an amount of estimated 600 thousand euro to the Company, as money that would have been paid out for interest rates.
Management of the Prishtina International Airport has repaid to Raiffeisen Bank a credit of 5.4 million euro, credit that was received by ex -management of the company in 2007, for some of the capital investments in Airport.
Agreement for credit repay was undersigned on 20.07 ‘09, 11:30 o’clock, in the main office of the Raiffeisen Bank in Prishtina by Managing Director of the Prishtina International Airport, Mr. Agron Mustafa, and General Director of the Raiffeisen Bank Kosovo, Mr. Robert Wright.
Within the year of 2007, Raiffeisen Bank has allowed a credit for PIA in an amount of 13.5 million euro with the repay period up to the 2012, but the airport has used only half of them.
“I am very happy that today we are repaying a credit of 5.4 million euro, three years earlier. I want to thank the General Director of the bank, Mr. Robert Wright, for his given support during the year 2007 and in the same time to assure him that good cooperation between our two companies will continue also in the future”, said after the ceremony of signing PIA’s Managing Director, Mr. Agron Mustafa.
According to Mustafa, credit repay in this period especially when Government of Kosovo, as the shareholder, has revealed the future development of the PIA towards giving it to concession until the end of 2009, means even more increase of the Company’s value.
“Repay of the credit prior giving it to concession means increase of the attraction of PIA towards potential investors, because it is much better to enter this process without any debt to third parties. After repay of the credit, PIA will have greater flexibility in establishing internal financial policies. But I have to emphasize here that Raiffeisen Bank will be one of our business partners” said further director Mustafa.
On the other side, General Director of Raiffeisen Bank, Mr. Robert Wright, potentiated that it was a pleasure to cooperate with PIA.
“It was a pleasure to cooperate with PIA during these years and it is especially worthy to greet many of latest positive results of PIA. I am taking an advantage to thank Mr. Mustafa hopping that in the future we will have also right cooperation” said Wright, during the ceremony.
Prishtina International Airport even though has repaid at once the credit in an amount of 5.4 million euro, has a very good financial status.
Currently, amount of the cash in banks is about 7.5 million euro. Repay of the credit 3 years earlier has saved an amount of estimated 600 thousand euro to the Company, as money that would have been paid out for interest rates; supposedly credit would have been paid out in regular time frame.
Budget review conducted on Friday, 17th of July, showed that only within first semester of this year company emerged with net profit of 4.1 million euro.
Download press release 20th July ‘09 - Agron Mustafa 20th July ‘09 - Agron Mustafa 2
20th July ‘09 – Endorsement views
PIA allocates 350 thousand euro for construction of 30 houses
Houses financed by PIA, with the initiative of the Prime Minister Thaçi, will be constructed for a homeless category of people, war invalids and veterans, families of the martyrs, families with severe social conditions, families of war victims and for the families of minorities.
On this occasion, Prime Minister Thaçi has expressed that approximate calculated cost for construction of 30 houses is 350 thousand euro, whilst entire process will be conducted in close cooperation in between authorities of the Government of Republic of Kosovo and PIA.
“I would like to thank Director and Board of PIA for their understanding shown regarding this issue”.
Managing Director of PIA, Agron Mustafa, expressed that after publication of the results on good semester performance of the Airport, as being revealed last week, and latest developments, it is a pleasure for the company he runs to support the initiative of the Prime Minister Thaçi for construction of the houses for the categories with severe social condition.
“It will be a mutual cooperation in between Government of the Republic of Kosovo and PIA and certainly that even in the future we will be ready to continue supporting such initiatives, if necessary”.
të përkrahim nisma të tilla”.
Inauguration of VIP - Centre at the Airport
Protocol centre for Very Important Persons or VIP - centre, was inaugurated in Prishtina International Airport, which will serve for high officials of the Government of Kosovo, local and international diplomats, different delegations and for other influential personalities of our country.
Inauguration of the VIP – centre was done by Minister of the Transport and Post Telecommunications, Mr. Fatmir Limaj, deputy Minister, Mr. Adem Grabovci, Director of the Board of PIA, Mr. Bekim Jashari, Managing Director of the Company, Mr. Agron Mustafa, etc.
VIP-centre has a space of about 600 square meters composing of press conference room, two meeting rooms, two VIP lounges and a coffee bar.
Managing Director of PIA, Mr. Agron Mustafa, said that he is happy to inaugurate this protocol centre for very important persons within the context of policies towards customer orientation, respectively high officials of the Government of Kosovo, diplomats, and different business delegations, etc. “Orientation towards customer is mine approach and policy that I have followed up since year and a half in PIA. This approach proves to be right one, serving many customers and citizens and as warrant for in so far and continuous success.
A huge number of very important persons belongs to our customer list, therefore in order to accommodate them as best as possible during their travel through PIA, today we are inaugurating one of the most modern centres dedicated to very important persons. Cost of this centre was about 750 thousand euro and as you can see for yourself everything is new and special, ordered in particular for this facility. I do thank Board of the Company with its Chairman, Mr. Bekim Jashari, and the Government of Kosovo, Minister Limaj for support provided in execution of this investment”, said Managing Director of the Company, Mr. Agron Mustafa.
“By this modern investment, Prishtina International Airport is moving forward to meet contemporaneous standards of the European airports. Airport up to date was deficient in terms of not having such centre. We have witnessed how many diplomats and high profile officials from different countries were processed. Therefore, I congratulate the management and board of this company for this modern investment”, said Minister of Transport and Telecommunication, Mr. Fatmir Limaj.
“Please, take a look at the work that has been done in the last year and a half in PIA by the current management. This airport has changed so many during this period. This investment and all other changes that are realized from the very successful work of the management and with the support provided from the Board of Directors of PIA has seen only increase and as such will cause enhancement of the value of the Company in the process of concession”, he said further.
Chairman of the Board of Directors of PIA, M. Bekim Jashari, said that investments for perfection of services are priority of the Board that he runs.
“We have always emphasized that PIA is as reflection of this country and day after day this Airport is converting to a model of a successful company. This investment will serve to the Government of Kosovo and foreign diplomats’ to feel as much as possible comfort in our Airport or as first place where to meet with the state of Kosovo. It is a contemporaneous investment that deserves highest acknowledgements at first to the Managing Director with his closest staff and to the employees of the Company”, said Mr. Bekim Jashari, Chairman of the Board of Directors of PIA.
VIP-centre if functional during 24 hours Download Video – View from the Airport Download Video – Statement of Fatmir Limaj Download Video – Statement of Agron Mustafa 1 Download Video – Statement of Agron Mustafa 2
Inauguration of projects in value of 20 milion euro
Today, in Prishtina International Airport, runway re-surface and new lighting system as two capital projects are inaugurated; this had the cost of around 20 million euro to the company.
Agron Mustafa 1 Agron Mustafa 2
08 May 2009_- Bekim Jashari 08 May 2009 - Fatmir Limaj 08 May 2009 - View from Airport
Airport, the passengers’ number increases to 10 percent
Financial crises, which have impacted significantly in reducing the passengers’ number at various airports in the world, it had no impact on the Pristina International Airport yet.
New Route for transporting goods to Pristina International Airport
Importers and exporters of goods in Kosovo who want to carry their goods via air transport, from today will have at their disposal, the new route and a special plane for goods’ transportation.
Airport, 24 hours in function
Decision to work 24 hours was brought by PIAs’ Management following the expressed interest by airlines, professional, technical and financial surveys that had positive outcome for safe flights in PIA and in close cooperation with the state agencies such Police and Customs of Kosovo as well as in full coordination with Civil Aviation Authority of Kosovo.
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29 Mars 2009_Agron Mustafa - View
Tickets for the Prishtina – Tirana aircraft, without airport tax of 20.53 Euro
Belle Air airline, the only one that currently flies in the route Prishtina – Tirana and vice-versa, has begun implementing in practice the decision brought by the Mr. Fatmir Limaj, Minister of Transport and Telecommunications and the Civil Aviation Authority of Kosovo for deduction of the tax of 20.53 Euro for all air route flights not longer than 200 km from the Prishtina International Airport.
Download Press Release 2
The number of passengers icreased to 6 percent
Despite the financial crisis that has plagued the world giving direct impact on airline companies and different airports, with the decline in the number of passengers and flights, the management of Pristina International Airport is pleased to announce that the number of passengers and flights at our airport are continuing to grow.
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Airport View - Download Declaration 1 - Download Declaration 2 - Download