Wizz Air has closed another outstanding year marked with a record passenger number, massive expansion of its network and global recognition of the quality of its business and service quality. During the past twelve months, WIZZ added 9 aircraft to its fleet, increased the offer with 17 new destinations and expanded its ever-growing network with more than 100 new routes.

WIZZ carried 23 million passengers in 2016, representing a 19% passenger growth year over year. At year-end, the airline connected 134 destinations in 40 countries with a total of 519 routes on sale. During the year, WIZZ added nine ultra-efficient Airbus A321 aircraft to its fleet and created over 400 direct jobs, with over 3,000 colleagues now working for the company.

Wizz Air’s fleet now consists of 74 Airbus A320 and Airbus A321 aircraft, operating from 25 bases across 13 countries in Central and Eastern Europe. Two additional bases, already announced, in Chisinau, Moldova and Varna, Bulgaria, will start operations in March and July 2017, respectively.

In 2016, Wizz Air’s constant development and excellent service were recognized with prestigious global awards. WIZZ was named 2016 Value Airline of The Year by Air Transport World (ATW), one of the largest multimedia information and services providers for the global airline market and Low Cost Airline of the Year by Center for Aviation (CAPA), leading provider of independent aviation market intelligence. The airline was also registered under the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), the global benchmark in airline safety recognition.

József Váradi, Chief Executive Officer at Wizz Air, said:

– 2016 was an outstanding year for Wizz Air. While maintaining our strong market leadership as the largest low-cost airline in Central and Eastern Europe, our excellence in service and safety were acknowledged with remarkable global recognitions. Our efficient, ultra low-cost model will allow us to continue our strong growth and further expand our network to best meet the needs of our passengers. We will keep on offering the lowest possible fares paired with superb onboard experience, providing exceptional value for all our customers.”

* ACI suggests creation of 750 on-site jobs for every 1 million carried passengers per year