Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has taken delivery of an Embraer E190 from regional aircraft lessor Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) for its new LCC subsidiary Buta Airways, which will launch Sept. 1.

The aircraft will be operated by the new brand of Azerbaijan Airlines—Buta Airways.

NAC said Buta Airways is the first LCC in Azerbaijan, a subdivision of the CJSC Azerbaijan Airlines. The airline is based in Baku, at the Heydar Aliyev International Airport.

AZAL’s board established Buta Airways as a 100% subsidiary in December 2016. All-Embraer operator Buta Airways will have its own fleet, livery and staff. Initial flights will be to Antalya, Kazan, Kiev Zhuliany, Mineralnye Vody, Moscow Vnukovo, Tbilisi and Tehran.

Starting from the winter season (Oct. 29), Buta Airways will add flights from Baku to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport and St. Petersburg, as well as from Ganja to Moscow Vnukovo.

Fares will start at €29 ($34) one way, for all destinations, with additional fees for airport counter check-in (€3), hand luggage (€20-€25), hold baggage, seat selection, extra legroom seats (€25), front of cabin seats (€15) and hot meals (€7.90).

Online or kiosk check-in is free and Buta Airways will provide complimentary sandwiches and water free of charge on all flights.

The airline’s livery features a representation of the mythological Simurg bird, as well as the blue used by AZAL and the red of Azerbaijan’s flag.

via: atwonline.com