Have you ever found yourself unexpectedly flying on a national airline that you knew little about? Well, that’s exactly what happened to the author when they ended up flying on Air Albania, the national airline of Albania. After a series of flight cancellations and missed connections, they found themselves unsure of what to expect when flying with Air Albania, especially since they were flying business class but weren’t sure if the airline had a business class cabin. However, their journey started off pleasantly as they had a smooth check-in and security process at Stansted Airport. They then embarked on a long walk through the duty-free area before reaching their gate, where they enjoyed a full English breakfast before boarding their flight to Albania.
Air Albania, established four years ago as the national airline of Albania, is a joint venture between the Albanian government and Turkish Airlines. Operating flights to various destinations in Europe, including Turkey and Germany, Air Albania flies Airbus A320 planes that are approximately 12 years old and were previously used by Etihad Airways. Their business class on these flights is configured in a 2-2 seating arrangement, and the airline offers a business class meal service. With mixed reviews on the price difference between economy and business class, it remains to be seen what this experience on Air Albania will entail.
1. Flying on Air Albania: A Pleasant Experience at Stansted Airport
1.1 The Reason for Flying on Air Albania
When faced with a series of flight cancellations and missed connections, you found yourself in a situation where you had to fly on Air Albania, the national airline of Albania. Despite your initial uncertainty, you were curious about what the experience would be like and decided to give it a try.
1.2 Expectations for Flying Business Class
Although you were flying on Air Albania, you were unsure if they offered a business class cabin. This added to your curiosity, as you were intrigued to see what amenities and services would be provided during your flight. You hoped for a comfortable and enjoyable journey, especially considering the circumstances that led you to choose Air Albania.
1.3 Checking In and Going through Security at Stansted Airport
To your delight, the process of checking in and going through security at Stansted Airport was pleasant and efficient. The staff members were friendly and helpful, making you feel welcomed and at ease. With the stress of the previous flight cancellations and missed connections behind you, you were able to focus on the upcoming journey with Air Albania.
1.4 Navigating Through the Duty-Free Area
While making your way to the gate, you found yourself navigating through the duty-free area at Stansted Airport. The walk seemed longer than expected, but you were able to pass the time by exploring the various shops and window displays. Though you were eager to reach your destination, you couldn’t resist taking a moment to browse through the shops, making mental notes of what caught your eye for future reference.
1.5 Enjoying a Full English Breakfast
Before boarding your flight to Albania, you decided to treat yourself to a full English breakfast. You found a cozy restaurant where they served traditional British fare, complete with proper bacon and a side of brown sauce. It was a delicious and satisfying meal, providing you with the energy you needed for the upcoming journey.
1.6 Overview of Air Albania
Air Albania, established four years ago, is the national airline of Albania. It is a joint venture between the Albanian government and Turkish Airlines, which explains its connections to various destinations in Europe, including Turkey and Germany. Being a relatively young airline, Air Albania has quickly made a name for itself and gained recognition for its services within a short span of time.
1.7 Air Albania’s Partnership
As mentioned earlier, Air Albania operates in partnership with Turkish Airlines. This partnership has enabled the airline to expand its network and offer a wide range of flight options to its customers. The collaboration between the Albanian government and Turkish Airlines has brought about numerous advantages for Air Albania, including access to a larger fleet and a broader array of destinations.
1.8 Air Albania’s Flight Destinations
Air Albania provides flights to various destinations in Europe. Apart from its connections to Turkey and Germany, the airline also offers routes to other countries, opening up more travel opportunities for passengers. Whether travelers are looking to explore cultural heritage sites or embark on business journeys, Air Albania aims to provide convenient and reliable transportation options.
1.9 Business Class Configuration on Air Albania Flights
Contrary to your initial uncertainty, you discovered that Air Albania indeed offers a business class cabin. The cabin features a 2-2 configuration on their Airbus A320 planes, providing a comfortable and spacious environment for passengers. This layout allows for a more personalized experience and ensures that every passenger has easy access to the aisle and their seat.
1.10 Age and Previous Use of Air Albania’s Planes
Air Albania’s fleet consists of Airbus A320 planes, which are approximately 12 years old. These aircraft were previously used by Etihad Airways before being acquired by Air Albania. While some may have concerns about flying on older planes, it is important to note that the necessary maintenance and safety measures are always undertaken to ensure a secure and reliable flight experience.
1.11 The Business Class Meal Service on Air Albania Flights
During your flight with Air Albania, the business class meal service impressed you. The airline takes pride in offering a delectable selection of meals for its business class passengers. From appetizers to main courses and desserts, each dish is carefully prepared and presented, allowing passengers to indulge in a memorable dining experience.
1.12 Headquarters of Air Albania
The headquarters of Air Albania is located at Tirana International Airport in Albania. This modern and spacious airport serves as the main hub for the airline, connecting passengers to various destinations both within Europe and beyond. With its strategic location and state-of-the-art facilities, Tirana International Airport ensures a smooth and efficient travel experience for all passengers.
1.13 Features of Tirana International Airport
Tirana International Airport stands out for its modern amenities and efficient services. One notable feature of the airport is the presence of electronic passport gates, which expedite the immigration process for passengers. The airport also boasts comfortable lounges, duty-free shops, and dining options, catering to the needs and preferences of travelers. The overall infrastructure and design of Tirana International Airport reflect Albania’s commitment to providing a world-class travel experience.
1.14 Flight Experience and Services on the Tirana-Istanbul Route
Your flight experience on the Tirana-Istanbul route with Air Albania was enjoyable. The duration of the flight was approximately one hour, which allowed for a quick and efficient journey. Despite the short duration, the airline provided a breakfast service for both economy and business class passengers, ensuring that everyone had a satisfying meal before reaching their destination.
1.15 Passenger Thoughts on Air Albania’s Pricing
Passengers had mixed reviews regarding the price difference between economy and business class on Air Albania flights. Some felt that the additional cost for business class was justified, considering the enhanced comfort and services provided. Others, however, had reservations about the pricing and felt that the benefits of flying business class did not outweigh the higher ticket price. It is worth noting that individual preferences and travel requirements play a significant role in influencing one’s opinion on pricing.
2. Conclusion
Despite the unexpected circumstances that led you to fly on Air Albania, you had a pleasant experience throughout your journey. From a smooth check-in process to a delicious breakfast before boarding, Air Albania exceeded your expectations. The airline’s commitment to providing comfortable seating, delectable meals, and efficient services contributed to a pleasant and enjoyable flight experience. As Air Albania continues to expand its network and enhance its services, it is poised to become a popular choice for travelers exploring both Albania and destinations across Europe.