Athens, October 30 – Greek airline SKY express has officially launched a new direct flight connecting Athens and Lisbon, marking the carrier’s strong entry into the Iberian Peninsula market. The service operates three times a week on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, using modern Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft.
Modern Fleet with Environmental Focus
The new route is serviced by SKY express’ fleet of brand-new Airbus aircraft with an average age of just 3.9 years. According to the airline, these modern aircraft deliver lower environmental and noise impact, aligning with the company’s commitment to sustainable development.
A warm welcome ceremony at Lisbon Airport drew members of the Greek Embassy, senior airport executives, as well as SKY express Founder Mr. Ioannis Grylos and company representatives. The event highlighted SKY express’ ongoing focus on expanding its international markets and promoting Greece as a high-quality, appealing year-round destination.
Expansion of International Network
Lisbon joins SKY express’ international network, which by year-end will include 27 international destinations. The airline’s schedule will expand with new direct connections to Madrid, Hamburg, Lyon, and Tel Aviv, as well as Thessaloniki-Düsseldorf and Heraklion-Tirana routes.
The expansion comes as SKY express maintains its position as the only Greek airline operating the largest domestic network in Greece, serving 33 domestic destinations. The new international routes offer travelers smooth travel with what the airline calls premium comfort and services.
Strengthening Greece-Portugal Tourism Ties
Mr. Ioannis Grylos, Founder of SKY express, voiced his thanks for the reception at Lisbon Airport. “We are extremely proud of our first flight connecting Athens and Lisbon, and we sincerely thank Lisbon Airport for the outstanding reception, as well as the Greek Embassy representatives for their presence and support of this new connection between our two countries,” Grylos said.
He stressed that the new route brings Greece and Portugal closer, boosting tourism both ways. “As demand grows, we plan to consider further increasing frequency so that even more visitors can discover Greece and our extensive network,” Grylos added.
Airport Partnership and Connectivity Goals
Karen Strougo, Chief Commercial Officer of ANA VINCI Airports, which operates Lisbon Airport, welcomed the new link. “Enhancing connectivity between Portugal and Greece, made possible by SKY express’ new routes, opens new horizons for Lisbon Airport’s connections with such an iconic destination as Greece,” Strougo commented.
She noted that this progress stems from the joint efforts of the route development teams at VINCI Airports, SKY express, and local partners, reflecting an ongoing commitment to advancing air connectivity between the two countries.
Strategic Market Positioning
The Athens-Lisbon route represents a strategic expansion for SKY express as it strengthens its presence in Western European markets. The three-times-weekly frequency provides flexibility for both business and leisure travelers seeking to connect the Greek and Portuguese capitals.
The airline’s use of modern, fuel-efficient Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft aligns with the industry’s growing emphasis on environmental sustainability. These next-generation aircraft feature improved fuel efficiency and reduced carbon emissions compared to older models, while also offering quieter operations that minimize noise pollution around airports.
Greece’s Aviation Connectivity
The launch of the Athens-Lisbon route further strengthens Greece’s air connectivity with Europe, providing travelers with more options for reaching the Iberian Peninsula. The service complements existing connections between Greece and Portugal, offering a direct alternative to connecting flights through other European hubs.
With the planned additions of Madrid, Hamburg, Lyon, Tel Aviv, and other international destinations by year-end, SKY express is positioning itself as a significant player in the European aviation market while maintaining its dominant position in Greek domestic aviation.
Year-Round Service and Tourism Promotion
The airline emphasized its commitment to promoting Greece as a year-round destination, not just a summer tourism market. The new Lisbon connection is expected to support tourism flows in both directions, allowing Portuguese travelers easier access to Athens and SKY express’ extensive domestic Greek network, while providing Greek travelers with direct access to Portugal’s capital.
The presence of Greek Embassy representatives at the inaugural flight ceremony underscores the diplomatic and economic significance of the new air link between the two countries. Enhanced air connectivity typically supports not only tourism but also business, cultural, and educational exchanges between nations.
Fleet Modernization and Service Standards
SKY express’ emphasis on operating one of Europe’s youngest fleets, with an average aircraft age of 3.9 years, reflects the airline’s focus on reliability, passenger comfort, and operational efficiency. Newer aircraft typically require less maintenance, offer better fuel economy, and provide passengers with modern cabin amenities.
The airline offers travelers what it describes as premium comfort and services across its network, competing with established airlines on both domestic Greek routes and international connections throughout Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean.
As SKY express continues its expansion path, the Athens-Lisbon route serves as a cornerstone of the airline’s strategy to connect Greece with major European capitals and strengthen the country’s position as both a tourist destination and an aviation hub in Southeast Europe.
Source: https://www.skyexpress.gr/en/news/new-direct-flight-athens-lisbon
