ATA Airlines inaugural flight departs from Tirana International Airport to New York

ATA Airlines (formerly known as American Trans Air) has started the operation of a new service from New York to Tirana International Airport (TIA)

ATA Airlines inaugural flight departs from Tirana International Airport to New York

• Weekly service from TIA to JFK Airport began today, 13 June 2007
• The eight-hour journey is being flown by a 318-seat DC10

ATA Airlines (formerly known as American Trans Air) has started the operation of a new service from New York to Tirana International Airport (TIA). The first flight arrived in Tirana from JFK Airport yesterday, Tuesday 12 June 2007 at 19:40 hours, and departed this morning, 13 June at 12:00 hours. The inaugural departure flight from TIA was scheduled for Wednesday following the weekend visit by U.S. President George W. Bush to Albania, but the subsequent service will normally operate as a weekend flight. The route will operate until 25 August 2007, and will be flown by a 318-seater McDonnell Douglas DC10. This direct flight is being introduced mainly to serve Albanians living in the U.S., but it will also facilitate business travelers and summer tourists.

“Tirana International Airport is expanding its breadth of destinations with, for the first time, a direct transatlantic flight, offering passengers more opportunities and more convenience. I am confident that this news will be received well by all Albanians living in the United States and here in Albania. This is more good news following the visit of President George W. Bush this weekend! We are pleased to be adding this flight to our schedule, showing once again TIA’s commitment to providing excellent quality and safety for both business and leisure travelers,” said Chief Executive Officer of Tirana International Airport SHPK, Dr. Constantin von Alvensleben.

In the last two years, under the new management of TIA SHPK, the Airport has seen rapid growth. Albania is a country of exceptional natural beauty to be explored by tourists, and the Airport now has greatly improved safety and security standards. The new terminal building, recently inaugurated, is one of the largest new installations in the country and travelers experience much improved comfort and services on its premises.

On 2 May 2007, Lufthansa resumed its flights to TIA and last year British Airways landed for the first time at the Airport, while Adria Airways has also re-introduced its service. In addition, the Airport has attracted several low-cost carriers such as Germanwings and Belleair. With the start of operations of ATA Airlines into Tirana, the number of airlines currently operating in and out of TIA has risen to 15, while the number of foreign direct destinations is 30.
For reservations and flight information please call Adriatic Eagle Air on 001516-783-1080/1081 or visit the website www.adriaticeagleair.com