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CSA plans low-cost move

(24 October 2003)

CSA Czech Airlines is considering introducing a low-cost service on its Birmingham and Stansted to Prague flights.

The move is one of a number of measures being considered by the airline’s new senior management, including introducing paid-for food on its existing schedule and cutting global distribution system costs. The carrier, which launched a third daily Heathrow flight last week, has unveiled plans to cut agent commission from 7% to 4% starting on November 1.

EasyJet, Jet 2, Bmibaby and Flybe have all launched services to the Czech capital, providing strong competition to the airline.

UK director Bohuslav Santrucek said: “We can look at a number of things, a one-class cabin, a two-class cabin; it could be done by airport to airport. I’d like to keep Heathrow and Edinburgh as full- service airports because these are key markets for us.”

Vice-chairman Kamil Slavik said the carrier will be announcing its plans before the end of next month, with the goal of implementing any changes by the beginning of next year.