Air Kosova
| Founded | 30 December 2024 |
|---|---|
| Hubs | Kukës International Airport Zayed |
| Fleet size | 2 |
| Parent company | Kukës International Airport SHPK |
| Headquarters | Shtiqën, Kukës County, Albania |
| Key people | Ridgers Mema (CEO) |
Air Kosova is a planned airline based in Shtiqën, Kukës County, Albania. The airline is owned by Kukës International Airport and will operate primarily from Kukës International Airport Zayed.[1][2]
History
Air Kosova was established on 30 December 2024 by Global Technical Mechanics SHPK, a company that owns and operates Kukës International Airport Zayed.[3] The creation of the airline followed increasing regional efforts to stimulate economic growth and enhance connectivity in northeastern Albania.[4]
On 8 May 2025, during the inauguration ceremony of Vlora International Airport, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama publicly acknowledged the creation of Air Kosova. He stated that the airline was developed to ensure continuous air operations at Kukës Airport and described it as a shared national endeavor, likening it to the pride associated with Air Albania.[5]
Development plans for the airline progressed rapidly in early 2025 following strategic investment approval. In a televised report, Kukës-based media outlets confirmed ongoing recruitment and fleet preparations.[6]
Initial passenger operations were projected to begin in late 2025, connecting Kukës to regional destinations.[7] Media coverage dubbed Air Kosova as Albania's "second national carrier," complementing Air Albania.[8] The airline is also reportedly planning regional expansion, including destinations in Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Germany.[9]
Fleet
As of its founding, Air Kosova has a planned fleet size of 2 aircraft. Specific aircraft types have not yet been officially announced.[10]
Corporate Affairs
The airline is headquartered in the village of Shtiqën, Kukës County. Its CEO is Ridgers Mema, a regional business figure known for his involvement in infrastructure development in northern Albania.[11]
See also
References
- ↑ "Air Kosova Officially Launched." https://seenews.com/news/albanias-kukes-airport-concessionaire-sets-up-air-carrier-1274972#:~:text=Air%20Kosova%20will%20be%20based%20at%20Kukes,seen%20in%20a%20video%20posted%20on%20Facebook.&text=A%20Kosovan%20airline%2C%20Kosova%20Airlines%2C%20was%20established%20in%202003%20by%20the%20United%20Nations%20Interim
- ↑ Short description https://scantv.al/english/lajme/shqiperia/rama-jep-lajmin-air-kosova-se-shpejti-nis-fluturimet-ne-aeroport-i23986#:~:text=12:56:00-,Rama%20gives%20the%20news:%20%22Air%20Kosova%22%20will%20soon,start%20flights%20to%20Kukes%20airport&text=Prime%20Minister%20Edi%20Rama%20announced,evil%20eye%20%2C%22%20he%20added.
- ↑ Government Endorses New Airline for Kukës. seenews https://seenews.com/news/albanias-kukes-airport-concessionaire-sets-up-air-carrier-1274972#:~:text=May%209%20(SeeNews)%20%2D%20The%20concessionaire%20of,procuring%20aircraft%2C%20prime%20minister%20Edi%20Rama%20said.
- ↑ "New Airline to Boost Economy in Kukës Region." Kryeministria. https://www.kryeministria.al/en/newsroom/aeroporti-nderkombetar-i-vlores-via-porta-e-hyrjes-ne-jugun-e-shqiperise-kryen-fluturimin-e-pare-certifikues/#:~:text=Air%20Kosova'%20will%20be%20the%20next%20Albanian,Kosova%2C'%20which%20will%20be%20based%20in%20Kuk%C3%ABs.&text=This%20is%20the%20official%20registration%20of%20the%20company%2C%20dated%20January%202025.
- ↑ avationweek news https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/airports-networks/vlora-airport-nears-launch-air-kosova-plans-outlined
- ↑ "Airline Project in Kukës Making Progress." Kryeministria https://www.kryeministria.al/en/newsroom/aeroporti-nderkombetar-i-vlores-via-porta-e-hyrjes-ne-jugun-e-shqiperise-kryen-fluturimin-e-pare-certifikues/
- ↑ "First Flights Expected in Late 2025." https://koha.mk/en/air-kosova-se-shpejti-nis-fluturimet-ne-aeroportin-e-kukesit/
- ↑ "Albania Launches Second National Carrier." Telegrafi https://telegrafi.com/en/Rama-announces-that-Air-Kosova-will-soon-start-flights-to-Kukes-Airport/amp/
- ↑ "Air Kosova Set for Regional Expansion." Koha https://www.koha.net/en/arberi/aeroporti-i-kukesit-do-te-sherbeje-edhe-per-kosoven-e-maqedonine-e-veriut
- ↑ "First Flights Expected in Late 2025." a2news https://a2news.com/english/shqiperia/politike/rama-jep-lajmin-air-kosova-se-shpejti-nis-fluturimet-ne-aerop-i1147434
- ↑ "Airline Project in Kukës Making Progress." voxnews https://www.voxnews.al/english/fokus/mashtrimi-air-kosova-dhe-nje-iluzion-fluturues-i-propagandes-dhe-i-interes-i91578
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