CityJet Marks 30 Years of Aviation Milestones

Dublin to London: The Journey Begins

CityJet, the renowned European airline, commemorates a significant milestone – 30 years since its inaugural flight on January 10, 1994. This historic journey linked Dublin Airport (DUB) to London City Airport (LCY), under a franchise agreement with Virgin Atlantic, utilizing a BAe 146. This was a pivotal moment, laying the foundation for CityJet's enduring presence in the airline industry.

Evolving Through Partnerships and Changes

Initially aligned with Virgin Atlantic, CityJet's journey is marked by considerable evolution. The turn of the millennium saw the airline becoming a subsidiary of Air France, emphasizing its strategic role in connecting passengers to the Paris Charles De Gaulle International Airport (CDG) hub. Despite the acquisition, CityJet retained its Irish essence, as noted by Air France's Senior Vice President Bruno Matheu, who highlighted the unique appeal of the "Irish/French mix."

A pivotal change occurred in 2014 when Air France divested its stake in CityJet. This shift led to an expansion of CityJet's operations, offering its services to various airlines across Europe. Notable partnerships include Aer Lingus, Brussels Airlines, KLM, Lufthansa, and SAS, with the airline notably conducting over 275,000 flights for SAS since 2016. Today, CityJet boasts a workforce of 600, with the majority based in Copenhagen and Stockholm.

Reflecting on Three Decades of Success

Reflecting on the 30-year journey, Pat Byrne, CityJet's founder and current Chairman, expressed pride in the airline's transformation into a pan-European entity. He attributes this success to CityJet's focus, innovation, and adaptability in the ever-changing European aviation market.

Forging New Alliances

In a strategic move, CityJet joined forces with Air Nostrum to form the Strategic Alliance of Regional Airlines (SARA). This alliance, also including Hibernian, ANEM, and ANTO, aims to amplify the presence of regional carriers in Europe while preserving the independence of each brand. Air Nostrum holds an 80% stake in SARA, with CityJet owning the remaining 20%.

In conclusion, CityJet's 30th anniversary is not just a celebration of its past but a testament to its adaptability and enduring relevance in the competitive landscape of European aviation.