Founded in 1999 in Athens, Aegean Airlines is the largest airline in Greece today, with a fleet of 53 narrow-body airliners. Since the airline commenced operations, its fleet has been modernised several times. Its ATR-42/72 regional propliners were all retired by 2004, while its BAe-146s and Boeing 737-300 and 400 narrow-body jetliners were replaced by Airbus A319s, A320s and A321s. Starting in 2020, the airline has begun replacing its A320ceo and A321ceo aircraft with the modern A320neo and A321neo. This fleet modernisation has not just increased the level of safety but has also increased the profit of the airline.

Financial issues for Greece’s other airlines left a vacuum for Aegean Airlines to take over, becoming the successor to most flights operating to Europe and the Middle East. The death of Olympic Airlines also helped Aegean to expand its operations and turn into one of the largest and most successful airlines in Greece. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic delivered a blow to the airline, as it did many around the world. however, with the gradual end to restrictions imposed on air travel around the world, the airline’s operations have returned to profitability. This book covers the history and current fate of the airline’s aircraft and looks at Aegean Airlines’ climb to the top of Greece’s aviation industry.