Emerging from the vibrant Romanian aviation landscape, Animawings (stylised as AnimaWings) has rapidly carved a niche for itself as a dynamic airline dedicated to connecting Romania with a growing network of key destinations. Headquartered in Otopeni, Ilfov County, and operating primarily from Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) in Bucharest, Animawings serves both the burgeoning leisure travel market and the needs of business passengers. With its IATA code A2, ICAO code AWG, and call sign ANIMA WINGS, the airline, operating under Air Operating Certificate (AOC) # RO-067, has embarked on an ambitious journey of expansion and fleet modernization, signaling its intent to become a significant player in the region. Under the leadership of CEO Antonio Stoian, Animawings is poised to redefine air travel expectations for Romanian passengers and international visitors alike, particularly following its strategic expansion in the summer of 2024 to serve destinations from ten cities across Romania.
The story of Animawings is one of strategic partnerships and evolving ownership, reflecting the dynamic nature of the European aviation sector. Founded in 2019, the airline quickly attracted significant interest. By March 2020, a pivotal development occurred when Aegean Airlines, Greece’s flag carrier and largest airline, acquired a 25% stake in the fledgling Romanian carrier. This investment provided Animawings with a strong strategic partner and a vote of confidence from an established European airline. The majority ownership, a commanding 75%, remained with the Memento Group, a prominent Romanian tour operator. This dual ownership structure leveraged the operational expertise of Aegean Airlines and the market reach of the Memento Group, creating a synergistic foundation for growth. The airline’s operational journey officially commenced in July 2020, a challenging period for global aviation, yet Animawings successfully secured its Air Operating Certificate (AOC) and launched operations, initially focusing on charter flights, a core strength given its ties to the Memento Group.
Building on its initial success in the charter market, Animawings broadened its horizons. In January 2021, the airline took a significant step towards establishing itself as a scheduled carrier by beginning to sell tickets directly on its own website. This move opened up its services to individual travelers, offering flights from eleven airports in Romania to a diverse range of destinations across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. The strategic relationship with Aegean Airlines deepened further in October 2021, when the Greek carrier increased its stake in Animawings to 51%, thereby taking majority control. This period saw closer integration and likely further operational enhancements. However, the ownership structure was set for another significant shift. After eight months of negotiations, a landmark agreement was reached in February 2024. The Romanian Competition Council approved the Memento Group’s purchase of the shares previously held by Aegean Airlines. This transaction resulted in the Memento Group reacquiring full, 100% ownership of Animawings. This move marked a new chapter for the airline, placing its strategic direction firmly back in Romanian hands and underscoring the Memento Group’s long-term commitment to developing Animawings into a leading national carrier.
Strategic Operations and Hub Development at Animawings
Animawings‘ operational strategy is centered around its primary hub at Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) in Bucharest, Romania’s busiest airport and a key gateway to Eastern Europe. This strategic location allows the airline to efficiently connect the Romanian capital with a multitude of international destinations. While Bucharest serves as its main operational nucleus, Animawings has also demonstrated a commitment to enhancing connectivity across Romania. A significant development in this regard is the planned establishment of an operational base at Timișoara Traian Vuia International Airport (TSR), set to commence on June 2, 2025. This move will not only provide greater travel options for residents in western Romania but also signifies Animawings‘ ambition to decentralize its operations and tap into regional demand. Furthermore, Heraklion International Airport (HER) in Crete is designated as a focus city from June 3, 2025, highlighting the airline’s strong emphasis on popular Greek leisure destinations.
The airline’s model incorporates both scheduled and charter flights, catering to a diverse clientele. Charter operations, a foundational aspect of its business, continue to be important, leveraging the Memento Group’s extensive experience in the tourism sector to provide package holidays and dedicated flights to popular vacation spots. Simultaneously, the expansion of scheduled services demonstrates Animawings‘ evolution into a comprehensive passenger airline. The launch of services from ten Romanian cities starting in the summer of 2024 marked a significant milestone, substantially increasing its domestic footprint and accessibility for passengers throughout the country. This expansion includes key regional airports such as Cluj International Airport (CLJ), Iași International Airport (IAS), Craiova International Airport (CRA), and Oradea International Airport (OMR), effectively bringing Animawings‘ international network closer to a wider Romanian audience.
Expanding Horizons: Animawings’ Diverse Destination Network
Animawings has curated an impressive and rapidly expanding network of destinations, primarily focusing on popular leisure spots across Europe, with strategic inroads into the Middle East and Africa. The airline’s route map reflects a keen understanding of Romanian travelers’ preferences, balancing sun-drenched Mediterranean islands with vibrant city break locations.
Within Europe, Greece features prominently, with seasonal flights to several idyllic islands. These include Corfu International Airport (CFU), a perennial favorite known for its lush landscapes and historical sites. Heraklion International Airport (HER) on the island of Crete is not only a key destination but is also set to become a focus city for Animawings from June 2025, indicating increased frequency and connectivity. Other Greek islands served seasonally include Kefalonia International Airport (KFN), famed for its stunning beaches, Rhodes International Airport (RHO), rich in history and culture, and Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH), home to the iconic Navagio Beach. Cyprus is another key Mediterranean destination, with regular flights to Larnaca International Airport (LCA), providing a vital link for both leisure and business travelers.
Spain is also well-represented in Animawings‘ network, particularly with its attractive island destinations. Commencing in the summer of 2025, the airline will launch seasonal services to Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) and Tenerife South Airport (TFS) in the Canary Islands, offering year-round sunshine. The Balearic Islands will also be accessible, with seasonal flights to Ibiza Airport (IBZ), known for its vibrant nightlife and beautiful coves, and Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI), a popular choice for beach holidays and cultural exploration. Portugal is featured with seasonal flights to Faro Airport (FAO), the gateway to the Algarve region’s stunning coastline and golf resorts.
France is served with flights to two major cities. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) offers access to the iconic French capital, a global center for art, fashion, and culture. Additionally, seasonal flights to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) cater to travelers seeking the glamour and beauty of the French Riviera. Further north in Europe, Animawings connects Bucharest with Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) in Sweden, providing a link to Scandinavia.
Beyond Europe, Animawings is expanding its reach. In the Middle East, the airline serves Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) in the United Arab Emirates, a major global hub and popular tourist destination. Looking ahead, Animawings plans to inaugurate flights to David Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) in Tel Aviv, Israel, starting from October 5, 2025, opening up another significant destination in the region. Africa is also on the map, with seasonal flights to Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) in Morocco, offering travelers a taste of North African culture and adventure. Turkey is another important market, with flights to Istanbul Airport (IST), a transcontinental metropolis offering rich history and vibrant bazaars. These flights will also be available from Craiova and Timișoara starting October 2025, further enhancing regional connectivity to this key hub.
Domestically, within Romania, besides its main hub in Bucharest, Animawings operates from several key cities, enhancing national connectivity and feeding into its international network. These include Cluj-Napoca (CLJ), Iași (IAS), Oradea (OMR), and Craiova (CRA). A notable addition is Brașov-Ghimbav International Airport (BRV), with seasonal flights commencing on June 3, 2025, serving the popular Transylvanian tourist region.
Animawings Fleet: Modernization and Efficiency
The fleet strategy of Animawings is a clear indicator of its ambitions for growth, efficiency, and enhanced passenger comfort. As of March 2025, the airline is in a significant phase of fleet renewal and expansion, moving towards newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft. Historically, the backbone of its operations has been the Airbus A320-200. Animawings currently operates two aircraft of this type, each configured with 180 seats in an all-economy layout. These aircraft have proven to be reliable workhorses for short to medium-haul routes, serving the airline well during its initial growth phase. The airline has also indicated that these current A320-200s will be replaced by two other aircraft of the same type, suggesting an ongoing refresh even within this aircraft family to maintain operational standards.
A landmark development in Animawings‘ fleet modernization program is the introduction of the Airbus A220-300. The airline has placed a substantial order for these state-of-the-art aircraft, with two already in service and ten more on order. Deliveries of the A220-300 commenced on December 16, 2024, with the first aircraft being delivered by Azorra, marking Romania’s first Airbus A220-300. This aircraft type is renowned for its superior fuel efficiency, reduced noise footprint, and enhanced passenger experience, featuring a spacious cabin and larger windows. The Animawings A220-300 aircraft are configured with a two-class cabin, offering 12 seats in a premium or business class (C) and 125 seats in economy class (Y), totaling 137 seats. This dual-class configuration allows Animawings to cater to a broader range of passenger preferences, including those seeking a more premium travel experience, aligning with its service to both leisure and business destinations.
Further demonstrating its commitment to a modern fleet, Animawings also has plans to incorporate the Airbus A320neo (New Engine Option) into its operations. While the exact number of A320neo aircraft on order and their specific configurations are yet to be announced (TBA), the selection of this type underscores the airline’s focus on cutting-edge technology. The A320neo family offers significant improvements in fuel consumption, emissions, and operational costs compared to previous generation narrow-body aircraft. This strategic fleet development, combining the versatility of the A320 family with the next-generation capabilities of the A220 and A320neo, positions Animawings to operate a highly competitive and environmentally conscious fleet in the coming years. The total fleet, considering current operational aircraft and firm orders, stands at 3 aircraft in service with 11 more on order, indicating a substantial capacity increase on the horizon.
Strategic Alliances: Enhancing Connectivity through Partnerships
To broaden its network reach and offer passengers greater travel flexibility, Animawings has strategically entered into key airline partnerships. These collaborations are crucial for a growing airline, allowing it to tap into established networks and provide seamless travel experiences beyond its own direct routes. Currently, Animawings benefits from two significant types of agreements: a codeshare agreement and an interline agreement.
The most prominent partnership is its codeshare agreement with Aegean Airlines. Even after the ownership changes, this commercial relationship remains active. A codeshare agreement allows Aegean Airlines to market Animawings flights under its own ‘A3’ flight code and vice-versa, effectively expanding the route map for both carriers. Passengers booking through Aegean Airlines can seamlessly connect onto Animawings services, and similarly, Animawings passengers can benefit from Aegean’s extensive network, particularly its strong presence in Greece and the wider European region. This synergy is mutually beneficial, enhancing load factors for Animawings and providing Aegean with extended reach into the Romanian market and specific leisure destinations served by Animawings.
In addition to the codeshare, Animawings has an Interline agreement with Hahn Air. Hahn Air is a German scheduled and charter airline which also specializes in providing distribution services for other airlines. An interline agreement with Hahn Air is particularly valuable as it allows Animawings to be ticketed through travel agencies worldwide via Global Distribution Systems (GDS) that Hahn Air is connected to. This significantly increases the visibility and saleability of Animawings flights in markets where the airline may not have a direct commercial presence. Essentially, travel agents who may not have a direct ticketing agreement with Animawings can still issue tickets on its flights using Hahn Air’s HR-169 document. This partnership is a smart move for expanding global sales reach without the extensive investment typically required for individual GDS participation and interline agreements with numerous carriers.
These partnerships are instrumental in Animawings‘ growth strategy. They not only enhance passenger convenience by offering a wider range of destinations and simpler booking processes for multi-leg journeys but also contribute to the airline’s operational efficiency and market penetration. As Animawings continues to expand its own network and fleet, these existing alliances will likely be supplemented by further agreements, solidifying its position within the competitive European aviation landscape.
The Animawings Promise: Connecting Romania with a Smile
While specific details of the onboard service and unique selling propositions are often cultivated over time, Animawings‘ trajectory and market positioning provide strong indicators of the experience it aims to deliver. As an airline with deep roots in the Romanian tourism sector through its parent company, the Memento Group, a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction, particularly for leisure travelers, can be anticipated. The very name, AnimaWings, suggests a lively, spirited approach to flying, perhaps hinting at a more personable and engaging service style. The airline’s focus on connecting Romania to sought-after holiday destinations across the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands, and even exotic locales like Marrakesh and Dubai, underscores its commitment to making dream vacations accessible.
The introduction of the modern Airbus A220-300 aircraft, with their enhanced passenger comfort features such as larger windows, wider seats, and quieter cabins, signifies a tangible investment in the passenger experience. The decision to offer a two-class configuration on these new aircraft, including a premium cabin, also indicates an ambition to cater to a discerning clientele, potentially offering enhanced services for those passengers. For an airline expanding its reach from ten Romanian cities, the promise extends beyond mere transportation; it’s about fostering national pride by offering a Romanian-owned airline that connects diverse regions of the country to the world. The blend of charter heritage with scheduled service aspirations suggests a flexible and passenger-centric approach, aiming to provide reliable and enjoyable journeys whether for a week-long beach holiday or a dynamic city break.
Future Outlook: Soaring to New Heights under Memento Group’s Stewardship
The future for Animawings appears bright and full of potential, particularly following its full acquisition by the Memento Group in February 2024. This consolidation of ownership under a committed Romanian entity provides the airline with a clear strategic direction and the agility to respond effectively to market opportunities. The Memento Group’s extensive experience in the travel and tourism industry offers invaluable synergies, from curating attractive flight-and-hotel packages to understanding the evolving preferences of Romanian and European travelers. The ambitious fleet expansion, centered around the modern and efficient Airbus A220-300 and the planned introduction of the A320neo, is a cornerstone of this future growth. These new aircraft will not only allow Animawings to increase its capacity and reach new, potentially more distant, destinations but also to operate more sustainably and cost-effectively, crucial factors in today’s competitive aviation market.
The expansion of its route network, including the establishment of a new operational base in Timișoara and a focus city in Heraklion, alongside new routes to destinations like Tel Aviv, Ibiza, and the Canary Islands, demonstrates a clear strategy of diversified growth. Animawings is not just consolidating existing markets but actively seeking new avenues for expansion, catering to both popular demand and niche opportunities. The increased domestic presence, operating from ten Romanian cities, will further solidify its position as a key connector for Romanian travelers. As it continues to mature, the airline will likely focus on refining its product offering, enhancing its digital presence, and building stronger brand loyalty. The combination of a modernizing fleet, an expanding network, strategic partnerships, and dedicated local ownership positions Animawings to become an increasingly influential force in Romanian aviation, offering compelling choices for travelers and contributing positively to the nation’s connectivity with the world.
