A solemn welcoming ceremony was held in Bucharest for the first flight of Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) on the Baku-Bucharest-Baku route
A solemn welcoming ceremony was held in Bucharest for the first flight of Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) on the Baku-Bucharest-Baku route, which will operate twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays. The Azerbaijan Airlines aircraft was traditionally welcomed with water cannon at the Henri Coanda Airport.
The event was attended by Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Romania Gudsi Osmanov, Ambassador of Romania to Azerbaijan Vasile Soare, Minister of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism of Romania Shtefan-Radu Oprea, General Director of the Directorate of Tourism of the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism of Romania Ioana Podosu, Chief of Staff of the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan Kenan Gasimov, Deputy CEO at Azerbaijan Tourism Board, Javanshir Bayramov, Head of the Department of Sales and Cooperation of Azerbaijan Airlines Chingiz Mursalov, Representative of the Department of Sales and Cooperation of the airline in the European Region Kamran Gajar and other officials.
Afterwards, a comprehensive informative event was organised with the participation of Romanian government representatives, representatives of leading tourism companies, diplomatic officials and our compatriots living in Romania.
Speaking at the event, Secretary General of the Government of Romania Mirchea Abrudean stated that the opening of this flight was achieved thanks to the determination of the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. Noting that the Minister of Energy of Romania Sebastian Burduja met with the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and when he raised this issue, the President immediately gave instructions and expressed his confidence that this initiative will be fruitful. Abrudean pointed out that the opening of this flight will play the role of a bridge between the two nations.
Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Romania Gudsi Osmanov noted in his speech that this flight is specially important for the relations of friendship, brotherhood and strategic partnership. Thus, the increase in tourist flows will lead to closer acquaintance of the two countries.
Ambassador of Romania to Azerbaijan Vasile Soare emphasised that this event is a historic day. Soare noted that President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev played an outstanding role in the launch of the flight. The diplomat said that Azerbaijan and Romania, as transit countries, are a gateway to Europe and Asia. He said Azerbaijan is a very interesting and attractive destination, both as a long-term and as a weekend destination.
Chief of Staff of the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan Kenan Gasimov informed about the strategy and activities of the agency aimed at increasing tourism flows. It was noted that Romania is a very important market for Azerbaijan and the opening of a new flight will accelerate the rapprochement of cultures and peoples.
Later, Javanshir Bayramov, Deputy CEO at Azerbaijan Tourism Board, made a presentation on ASAN Visa, the activities of ‘Azerbaijan Airlines’ CJSC, the beautiful places and regions of Baku and Azerbaijan.
Chingiz Mursalov, Head of the Sales Cooperation Department of AZAL, spoke about the history of the organisation, future prospects and the opening of new destinations. Mursalov noted that in 2024 AZAL will already be operating flights to more than 60 countries.
At the end of the event, five AZAL tickets were raffled.
The event continued with a concert programme featuring Azerbaijani music.