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The ticket sales scheme for WindJet flights is yet under discussion. ‘The normal scheme, same as in any low-cost company, is selling through the Internet, said Igor Kravchuk, Vnukovo Handling Assistant Director. However, taking into account Russia’s specifics, there are other possible options, such as online sales with reservation and issue of an electronic ticket, or selling via the TCC reservation system. Block sales through tour operators are also possible.
Experts believe that in theory the new service is quite attractive for the market. Forli airport is located between Rimini and Bologna, and therefore the WindJet service may be regarded as an alternative to the weekly charter flights between Moscow and Rimini. In addition, the frequency of new flights will permit to add a 10-days package to the range of programs for this destination. ‘However, so far we only regard WindJet flights as a service for business travelers who need to get to central Italy and do not want to depend on charter flights,’ said Natalia Divirs, Italian Department Manager from Intourist. ‘We are concerned that travel agencies will not be able to handle electronic tickets, not to mention that we do not have relevant legislation, and far from all agencies have credit cards to make such orders.’
Thus, tour operators do not hurry to give up current services for newcomers. ‘We work with KD-Avia on Rimini, and our tourists are used to a certain level of service,’ said Natalia Rotmistrova, Deputy General Director for Marketing and Advertising from Roza Vetrov. ‘Altogether, it is not easy to switch over all at once, even if there is an opportunity to lower the tour package budget.’
However, the exact price of WindJet’s air tickets so far remains unknown. ‘There will be a large presentation for travel businesses and media with participation of the airline’s executives in November. After that it will be possible to have specific discussions. In any case, prices will not be disappointing,’ said Igor Kravchuk.
WindJet has become the third low-cost carrier at Vnukovo after Germania Express, which came in summer 2003, and German Wings, which came in summer 2005. In the near future, Igor Kravchuk believes, other low-costs may come to the airport.
