Open Skies Alliance

[ToSofoPaidi]

noborder air application

Hello from Greece, this is ToSofoPaidi, noborder air CEO and this is the application to join Open Skies Alliance.

Noborder air (XS) is a regional airline established in early November 2011, operating from its only hub, Athens. However, I am playing AS since 2010, having various airlines, mainly in Nicosia. XS is the first attempt in Stapleton.

Noborder air is currently operating 6 regional airplanes, 4 CR7 and 2 DH4. Its flight schedule consists of both domestic and international destinations, the latter being in Italy, Balkans and Middle East. This is also the main plan for XS. To become a key player in Eastern Europe and Middle East. This doesn't mean that no western European destinations will be served, however such an extension is not XS main priority. In a further time point, noborder is expected to add some bigger airplanes (100-120 seat range), however it is not in plans to add Business class in any aircraft. All airplanes are Y-class only, equipped with Economy seats (which means fewer seats but a much better flying experience for the passenger), and exceptional on-board service. Combined with XS low price policy, most flights are No.1 choice in ORS.

At the moment, noborder is facing strong competition in Athens, as many airlines have their hub in the Greek capital. However, Load Factor has raised from 50% to 65% during the first weeks of operation and XS aims to fly at least a 75% LF during the next two weeks. Moreover, two airlines have gone bankrupt (Attika & Wings of Aegean - the second has restarted operations), providing further space for XS to grow.

Finally, regarding noborder air interlining agreement policy if accepted in Open Skies, XS will terminate all agreements that are in direct opposition to other alliance members. However, at this moment, it expects to sign IL agreements only with members that combine flight schedules (eg. not with a member operating in South Africa, if there was any), as this would mean extra cost at a crucial moment. Moreover, noborder could amend its flight schedule in order to achieve better connections with other team members.

Noborder air is looking forward to answering any questions by Open Skies Alliance members, if any.

Best regards,
ToSofoPaidi (noborder air / Athens, Greece)

[Polar Bear]

Sorry about the delay, we will be discussing your application.

[Polar Bear]

At this time one question arises if you engage in international flight, outside a 1000Km radius of Greece, are you going to keep your One class Y only policy and are you going to keep a cut throat price policy?

[ToSofoPaidi]

Regarding your questions, let me point out that "technically" there is already a flight over 1000km from ATH (this is DAM). Looking at a map, lets say that limit, according to plans right now, would be DXB in the east and KRT in the south, however one shouldn't expect these airports to be served immediately, or using a CR7. In Europe, Balkans is the main area for XS to expand, however Italy and some main central European airports are also in plans (eg. main European capitals, especially if an alliance member has a hub and no intention to operate between it and ATH).

Y only policy is a one-way street decision for XS, since the largest aircraft at the moment is CR7, that can seat 64Y Economy passengers only and is used for flights for up to 2 hours. However, when a 100-120 seater airplane will be added, this policy may have to alter, in order to achieve better results (however not for smaller airplanes).

Finally, the low-cost policy will remain, mainly because of the highly competitive environment. Currently, we have approached an 80% LF since Monday and one more airline has gone bankrupt (Athena). Two more have emerged but there is confidence that results will be great next Wednesday.

In general, don't expect noborder to grow and operate 100s of airplanes in the future. My intention is a fleet of 20-30 airplanes, good, efficient and low-cost service to the region mentioned before and fine cooperation with all members, in case XS joins an alliance.

Best regards,
ToSofoPaidi (noborder air / Athens, Greece)

[Polar Bear]

Sorry again for the long delay your application is almost accepted and you will be contacted by the Director or one of our manager.

Thank you for your patience.

Regards.

PolarBear