NyxAir Secures Estonian PSO Routes to Hiiumaa and Saaremaa Islands Until 2027

Estonia’s Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture is set to formalize a contract with NyxAir, ensuring the airline’s operation of the Public Service Obligation (PSO) routes from Tallinn Lennart Meri to Kärdla on Hiiumaa and Kuressaare on Saaremaa until the autumn of 2027. This announcement, reported by the Estonian public broadcaster ERR, marks a pivotal moment in ensuring continuous and reliable air service to these key island destinations.

The contract’s confirmation follows the resolution of previous litigation regarding the tender for the Kärdla route, which saw NyxAir emerge as the victor after a decision by the Public Procurement Review Committee. Under the new agreements, NyxAir’s service to Kuressaare is slated to begin on June 1, 2024, while flights to Kärdla are expected to start on February 29, providing a seamless transition from the current operator, Diamond Sky, which has been using a Saab 340A for the route.

NyxAir CEO Jaanus Ojamets outlined the upcoming service enhancements, noting that the Kuressaare route will employ a 48-seater aircraft, while a 33-seater will serve the Kärdla route starting March 1. This capacity adjustment responds to frequent flyers’ feedback, particularly regarding the often insufficient capacity on the more popular Kuressaare route during peak seasons.

The airline’s fleet, as per ch-aviation fleets data, includes a diverse array of aircraft, such as the Saab 340A, Saab 340Bs, Saab 2000s, ATR42-500s, and ATR72-500(F)s, positioning NyxAir as a versatile operator capable of meeting the varied demands of these PSO routes.

Andres Ruubas, head of public transport at the Ministry of Regional Affairs, acknowledged the seasonal demand fluctuations, indicating that while there’s a higher demand in the summer, winter sees a reduced need. The decision to utilize a 48-seater aircraft for Kuressaare has been deemed optimal given these circumstances, with no immediate plans for further capacity increases.

This strategic move by NyxAir and the Estonian government underscores a commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and addressing the transportation needs of island communities. As NyxAir prepares to take over these essential air routes, passengers can look forward to improved service reliability and capacity, ensuring the islands’ accessibility throughout the year.