Volotea, a European low-cost carrier, took flight in 2012, founded by former Vueling Airlines executives Carlos Muñoz and Lázaro Ros. Targeting primarily leisure travelers, the airline commenced operations on April 5, 2012, from its primary bases in Venice Marco Polo Airport and Nantes Atlantique Airport. Since its inception, Volotea has become synonymous with affordable, short-haul flights across Europe, particularly catering to secondary and tertiary destinations, filling a niche left by larger carriers.
Fabrizio Berni (GFDL <http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html> or GFDL <http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html>), via Wikimedia Commons
In terms of its fleet, Volotea initially started with Boeing 717 aircraft, a unique choice rarely seen by other low-cost carriers. However, it later transitioned to an all-Airbus fleet, opting for the A319 and A320 models. This shift allowed for greater operational efficiency and fleet uniformity, essential in the low-cost carrier model.
Volotea strategically chose its operational airports to focus on underserved markets and regional connections. Beyond its primary bases, the airline expanded its network to encompass a multitude of destinations across Europe, including Palermo, Bordeaux, and Bilbao, among others. By operating from smaller, regional airports, Volotea capitalized on lower fees and less congestion, offering travelers more convenience and cost-effective options.
With a keen eye on customer satisfaction and operational reliability, Volotea has steadily grown its route network and passenger numbers since its inception. Its focus on point-to-point connections, coupled with a commitment to affordable fares and friendly service, has earned it a loyal customer base in the competitive European aviation market.
Volotea Livery
Taken at Naples (Italy) NAP
The livery worn by Volotea’s aircraft has remained largely unchanged since the airline’s founding.
It features a chequered or crosshatched design on the tail in red, black and yellow on white, which stretches down and underneath the rear fuselage.
The rest of the fuselage is white, with large Volotea titles behind the cockpit.
The engines feature a similar design to the tail.
Where does Volotea Fly?
Volotea currently operates to over 100 destinations out of 19 bases spread across France, Germany, Italy and Spain. These include:
- Asturias
- Athens
- Bilbao
- Bordeaux
- Cagliari
- Florence
- Hamburg
- Lille
- Lyon
- Marseille
- Nantes
- Naples
- Olbia
- Palermo
- Strasbourg
- Tarbes-Lourdes
- Toulouse
- Venice
- Verona
The airline serves up to 400 different routes, with around 70,000 flights per year.
Volotea Fleet
ERIC SALARD
The current fleet list at the time of writing includes:
EC-ISI Airbus A320-200
EC-MBK Airbus A320-200
EC-MTB Airbus A319-100
EC-MTC Airbus A319-100
EC-MTD Airbus A319-100
EC-MTE Airbus A319-100
EC-MTF Airbus A319-100
EC-MTL Airbus A319-100
EC-MTM Airbus A319-100
EC-MTN Airbus A319-100
EC-MUC Airbus A319-100
EC-MUT Airbus A319-100
EC-MUU Airbus A319-100
EC-MUX Airbus A319-100
EC-MUY Airbus A319-100
EC-NBC Airbus A319-100
EC-NBD Airbus A319-100
EC-NCB Airbus A319-100
EC-NDG Airbus A319-100
EC-NDH Airbus A319-100
EC-NGL Airbus A319-100
EC-NHP Airbus A319-100
EC-NNY Airbus A320-200
EC-NNZ Airbus A320-200
EC-NOL Airbus A320-200
EC-NOM Airbus A320-200
EC-NON Airbus A320-200
EC-NOP Airbus A320-200
EC-NOQ Airbus A320-200
EC-NOR Airbus A320-200
EC-NOS Airbus A320-200
EC-NOY Airbus A320-200
EC-NPB Airbus A320-200
EC-NPC Airbus A320-200
EC-NQM Airbus A320-200
EC-NQN Airbus A320-200
EC-NTL Airbus A320-200
EC-NTM Airbus A320-200
EC-NTU Airbus A320-200
EC-NUO Airbus A320-200
EC-NUP Airbus A320-200
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