SKY express names its first Airbus A321neo “Cyprus”

SKY express has named its first Arbus-type A321neo "Cyprus", fulfilling a commitment it had made to name it after the airline's first international destination.

The official naming ceremony took place at "Glafcos Clerides" Larnaka International Airport in the presence of President Nicos Christodoulides and with the support of Hermes Airports.

The ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of Greece in Cyprus, Ioannis Papameletiou, the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Alexis Vafiadis, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Costas Koumis, representatives of Hermes Airports, representatives of Cypriot travel agencies, partners of SKY express, as well as media representatives from Cyprus and Greece.

On behalf of Hermes Airports, the President was welcomed by the Chief Executive Officer, Eleni Kaloyirou and the Vice Chairman of Hermes Airports' Board of Directors, Iacovos Iacovou.

During his speech, President Christodoulides referred to the strong growth of SKY express in recent years and praised its offer to name its aircraft "Cyprus", saying it contributes substantially to Cyprus' efforts and is a vote of confidence in the country. At the same time, he expressed his certainty that the cooperation between Cyprus and SKY express will become even stronger in the coming years.

Eleni Kaloyirou said: "The 'Cyprus' aircraft honours both our country and our airport as it will be an ambassador of Cyprus throughout Europe. SKY express, with the continuous strengthening of its fleet, services and itineraries, is consolidating its position in the market, while its investment in our island and its long-term view of the development of tourism is a vote of confidence in the dynamics of the Cypriot product. I hope this aircraft will always have safe journeys."

Ioannis Grylos, IOGR Group Founder & President - of which SKY express is also a member- declared among other things: "About three years ago, amidst pandemic conditions, we chose Cyprus as our first international destination. Our decision has been fully justified. With our presence, we created conditions of healthy competition, which resulted in the reduction of fares, the improvement of services and the offer of a modern aviation product, with the passenger public ultimately benefiting. Cyprus has embraced us. And we, for our part, will make sure to do our best to serve its people. At the same time, we are constantly making significant investments here in Cyprus. We are here to stay and be part of the progress of Cyprus and we are willing to to contribute to the connectivity of the country and to its further economic and touristic development. This desire is also symbolised by the initiative to give the first AIRBUS A321neo of SKY express, the most modern aircraft of its class, the name "CYPRUS". To express our gratitude to the Cypriot society that embraced us, but also to underline our will to connect even more closely with Cyprus and its people."

The event ended with a lunch hosted by Hermes Airports in honour of the guests.

SKY express is a Greek airline with the largest network of domestic destinations (33) and direct flights to an ever-expanding network of 11 European destinations. It has signed major agreements with global carriers such as Air France, KLM, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Delta, American Airlines, Cyprus Airways, Condor, El Al, Turkish Airlines, Middle East Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Air Transat and easyjet.

With the addition in 2023 of the first two AIRBUS A321neos, SKY express' fleet counts 23 aircraft, remaining the youngest fleet in Greece. "The very important investments in its fleet confirm the company's journey towards a sustainable future and its constant effort to reduce emissions, including through the good practices it continuously applies," the company said.