ITAKA and Electra Airways deepen partnership with new brand Air 001, marking a bold new chapter in the Polish tour operator’s journey toward greater control and visibility in the air travel market. With four Airbus aircraft prepared for the Summer 2025 season, ITAKA’s aviation debut under the Air 001 brand signals both ambition and strategic evolution.
Air 001 is the latest milestone in ITAKA HOLDINGS’ long-term diversification strategy. The brand’s launch allows ITAKA to directly manage its charter flight offerings, enhancing customer experience while boosting market presence. Born from a solid partnership with Electra Airways, this venture combines ITAKA’s strong tourism foundation with Electra’s technical expertise in aviation operations.
The partnership began modestly in 2022, when Electra Airways operated a single Airbus A320 for ITAKA, flying vacationers from Katowice to various sunny destinations. Encouraged by the initial success, the collaboration expanded in 2023 with the addition of an Airbus A321. By autumn of that year, the companies made a strategic shift—adopting a new model that gave ITAKA full control over charter capacity and the opportunity to create a distinctive airline identity.
To bring this vision to life, two essential elements were required: aircraft and an experienced operator. In spring 2024, ITAKA leased two Airbus A320s and entrusted Electra Airways with complete operational oversight. Electra, a trusted IOSA-registered carrier, handles the full spectrum of responsibilities, including crew, maintenance, insurance, flight planning, and ground handling coordination. Maintenance is also managed through Electra’s internal service teams, ensuring safety and efficiency remain top priorities.
This model allows ITAKA to enjoy the advantages of running its own airline—such as brand consistency and flight scheduling flexibility—without having to navigate the complexities of aviation certification processes like acquiring its own Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC).
In Summer 2025, Air 001 will take off with a fleet of four aircraft—three Airbus A320s and one Airbus A321—all based in Katowice. Flights will connect Polish travelers from Katowice, Warsaw, Wrocław, and Poznań to some of Europe and Africa’s most popular holiday destinations. The route map includes Turkey, Greece, Egypt, Albania, the Canary Islands, and Cape Verde, offering sun-seekers even more seamless travel options under one trusted brand.
