Domestic aviation in general and Visby Airport in particular experienced a rapid recovery in air traffic from early autumn until November. January and February are normally weak months and the forecast looks to be even worse.
-We literally had a flying start and experienced a demand we didn't even dare to dream of until October 28. We expanded the schedule several times in two months and the Gotland people had a very tight schedule to Bromma thanks to us and Air Leap for a few months this autumn. Since then, the number of bookings has decreased every week and at this rate, it looks like January and February will be dark, says AirGotland CEO Tiina Mykkänen
The parties began talks last fall about active cooperation. The aim of the cooperation is a win-win-win; that both airlines remain on the market when flying picks up again and so that the people of Gotland do not end up in a situation that prevailed in the spring with few departures at high prices. Therefore, AirGotland will fly its passengers on Air Leap's flights during the first two months of the year. This is a first step in what could become a long-term cooperation in the future.
-Our employees will be based out of the office at Visby Airport and will be available to our customers until we fly again with a new operator in March. Our corporate customers with pre-purchased tickets will receive booking assistance on Air Leap's departures through us, continues Tiina Mykkänen.
The fact that two competing businesses are joining forces in this way to secure air communications for the people of Gotland is unique and valuable.
-Today we are very happy and proud of the trust we have received from AirGotland. Now we have the pleasure of also welcoming AirGotland's passengers on board. Air Leap will continue to serve Gotland with a high-quality and safe flight product at attractive ticket prices. As part of this, we are expanding the schedule with a round trip on Saturdays, says Jon Melkersson, CEO of Air Leap.
The Visby-Bromma route will continue to be operated by Air Leap's ATR 72 with capacity for 72 passengers.
