OREANDA-NEWS. June 10, 2011. The first flight to Sochi took place. The flight was operated by a modern airliner type Airbus A320, with 136 passengers on board, 30 of them were journalists and 20- tour agencies’ representatives, reported the press-centre of Air Moldova.

The official opening of the new regular Chisinau-Sochi flight was celebrated in the Chisinau International Airport sterile area. The surprise of the event was the special cake, baked on this occasion. The first slice was cut by Iulian Scorpan, General Director of Air Moldova.

“The new destination Chisinau- Sochi-Chisinau is a project in which "Air Moldova" has invested significant time, effort and dedication", affirmed Iulian Scorpan. By launching the route Chisinau-Sochi, is expanding the flights’ network of the national carrier. "Route map of the company includes 21 destinations, three of them in the Russian Federation: Moscow, St. Petersburg and, recently, Sochi", added the commander.

During the maiden flight celebration was organized a raffle. SAMSONITE - the world’s leading global luggage brand was the partner of the event, giving the first passengers travel accessories like laptop bags, ladies bags, travel pillows, accessorizes for sleep. Also in the raffle was won a certificate for a free passage through the VIP lounge, provided by the Chisinau International Airport.

Event’s highlight part, the departure, was marked by a wave of applause from the passengers. In gratitude, "Air Moldova" provided each passenger with a free trip for one flight segment Sochi-Chisinau or Sochi-Chisinau.

In accordance with the aeronautic rituals, on arrival in Sochi the air operator will undergo "water baptism" in the receiving airport – two fire-engine water guns will pour water onto the plane. After the customs procedures, Iulian Scorpan along with Sergey Liharev, General Director of "Basel Aero, cut the red ribbon and Chisinau-Sochi deck was officially opened.

“Chisinau is the 11th international destination for Sochi International Airport. Record number of passengers on the first flight Chisinau -Sochi – Chisinau demonstrates that this route will be a success throughout the navigational season”, said Sergey Liharev during the press conference, attended by journalists from the Krasnodar region and representatives of local tourism agencies.

Air Moldova has brought in Sochi some of the national culture, organizing for the locals a show with dances and folk music, followed by a buffet with traditional cuisine and Moldavian wines.

Regular Chisinau-Sochi-Chisinau flights will be operated by the last generation Embraer 190 with the flight frequency being twice a week. Flight duration is one hour 20 minutes; during the flight passengers will be offered supper/breakfast.

Opening the new flight direction, Air Moldova airline enters the market with a special price offer. One-way Chisinau-Sochi airticket price including all the charges will make from 57 euros, while the that of Sochi-Chisinau – from 46 euros with all taxes included.

The Sochi-Chisinau and Chisinau-Frankfurt flight schedule will make it possible for Air Moldova to offer a favourable service to the passengers from the Russian Federation using Sochi-Frankfurt flight via Chisinau with a short stay in the Chisinau International Airport. One-way Sochi-Frankfurt ticket price with transit via Chisinau will make 95 Euros with all charges included. At the same time, buying a ticket to Frankfurt under the Air&Rail program, passengers will receive a free trip by train across Germany.

Expansion of the transit service via Chinau is part of the Air Moldova strategy. Launching of transit services will make it possible to promote development of the entire aeronautic industry of Moldova and will further on allow transformation of the Chisinau International Airport into a Regional HUB. This will make it possible for Moldova to benefit from its geographical location.

The list of flights currently carried out by Air Moldova includes 21 direct flights to Frankfurt, Vienna, Prague, Lisbon, Madrid, Bucharest, Istanbul, London, Athens, Larnaca, Rome, Milan, Verona, Paris, Moscow, St.-Petersburg, Munich, Kiev, Antalya, Varna and Sochi. The company offers Economy and Business Class Services.