NIKI Luftfahrt GmbH, also known as flyNiki is a scheduled semi-lowcost airline and a subsidiary of Air Berlin, Germany's second largest airline. It mainly serves business and some leisure destinations and is headquartered in Office Park I at Vienna International Airport in Schwechat, Wien-Umgebung, Austria.[1][2] Niki operates charter services to leisure destinations in Europe and the Middle East from Vienna, Salzburg, Graz and Linz on behalf of tour operators as well. Although it's often called "low-cost", it provides full service, like free refreshments, newspapers, baggage, etc.
The livery carries a distinctive cartoon insect at the front of the aircraft, and is meant to represent the 'fly' part of the catchphrase fly Niki.
History [edit]
Niki Lauda, ex-Grand Prix driver, had been ousted from Lauda Air (part Of the Austrian Airlines Group) by boardroom politics in November 2000.[citation needed] In 2003 Niki Lauda acquired the former Aero Lloyd Austria operation. The airline started operations on 28 November 2003 with the temporary name FlyNiki. On 9 January 2004, Niki announced cooperation with Air Berlin. The two airlines call their cooperation "the first European low-cost airliner alliance".[3] Russian carrier S7 Airlines is projected to join.[4] In the meantime, all three are members of oneworld alliance — S7 joined late 2010, Air Berlin in early 2012, Niki at the same time as an affiliate.
The airline has been owned by Air Berlin since 8 November 2011 and has 650 people working for them of which around 90% are employed through Labourpool Gmbh, a personnel leasing company. Staff turnover is generally high due to this structure being used as employees do not generally enjoy any protection and can be dismissed with a 6 week notice period. It also protects the airline against disgruntled ex-employees as they cannot sue against the airline as they are technically employees of Labourpool. Interestingly enough is the position of the personnel manager of Niki, he also acts for Labourpool.[citation needed]
Destinations [edit]
Niki operates services to leisure destinations in Europe (especially Greece and Spain) and Egypt from Vienna, Salzburg, Linz and Graz. The flights are marketed by Air Berlin.
Current Fleet [edit]
As of 17th December 2012, the Niki fleet consists of the following aircraft:[5]
Niki fleet
| Aircraft |
In Service |
Orders |
Passengers |
Notes |
| Airbus A319-100 |
3
|
0
|
150
|
One aircraft will be returned to Air Berlin at the end of June 2013 |
| Airbus A320-200 |
11
|
1
|
180
|
Ordered aircraft to be equipped with sharklets, delivery june 2013 |
| Airbus A321-200 |
4
|
0
|
212
|
|
| Embraer 190 |
4
|
0
|
112
|
|
| Total |
22 |
1 |
|
|
Each of Niki's aircraft is named after a type of dance. For example, the Embraer 190 registered OE-IHB is called Lambada[6] and an A321-200 (OE-LES) is called Boogie Woogie.
Historic Fleet [edit]
Niki also leased 2 Airbus A320's from Vueling in March 2008. One was kept until March 2009.
Inflight service [edit]
Niki offers complimentary sandwich and non-alcoholic drink meal service on its short haul flights and an additional buy on board service that has a large range of meal items for sale.[7] On charter services and some business destinations such as Zurich, Frankfurt or Munich, hot meals are complimentary.
Topbonus [edit]
Niki frequent flyer programme (called topbonus) is operated jointly with Air Berlin.
References [edit]
External links [edit]
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