SKY and low cost model - Q&A with Holger Paulmann, CEO of SKY Airline

Founded in 2002, Sky Airline has become a prominent carrier in Chile and the South American region. The company flies 15 Airbus aircraft to 14 domestic destinations and four South American destinations (Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Montevideo and Lima).
In 2015, Sky Airline decided to transition to a low-cost carrier business model, becoming the first of its kind in the Southern Cone. The airline just revealed its new ‘look and feel’ as it completes a rebranding in conjunction with their transition to this new model.
Noticias Airbus sat down with Holger Paulmann, CEO of Sky Airline, to learn more about it.

It has been a period of intense evolution for SKY Airline. You have just completed the transition to become a low cost carrier which is a rising trend we are seeing in the region. Why is it so important to you to change to this model?
The low cost concept is new in Chile and SKY had the sufficient market vision to adapt this format, which emerged in the United States and later spread to Europe and Asia with great success in the Chilean market.
In March of 2017 we became the first low cost airline in Chile, thus leading the way with this new model when no other company considered nor wanted to establish it just two years ago. This demonstrates how SKY is in constant search to innovate and thrive by doing things the right way, in a simpler and more accessible manner. We listen and work for our clients, truly inspired in reaching and flying those who have never previously had such a great opportunity.

SKY Airline has also recently undergone a significant rebranding exercise. Can you explain the reasoning behind the change?
All this renovation also implied the need to change our corporate image, which marks a ‘before and after’ in the airline, representing the new era of SKY as the pioneer of the low cost model.

You have also just completed a very thorough fleet evaluation and decided to base your strategy on the A320neo for your future requirement. What were the key reasons that drive that decision?
The renewal of our fleet will play a fundamental role our new chapter, since we will have the completely-new, topnotch Airbus A320neo aircraft leading the way towards more efficient operation and better customer experience. 

How do you see SKY Airline’s development in Chile and in the region in the next few years?
In 2017 all our efforts will be focused on perfecting the model and positioning ourselves as the main low cost airline in Chile and the Southern Cone.
We are aware that our low cost model triggered a revolution in the national aviation industry and therefore the competitors have reacted, which is why we remain focused on keeping things on a sustained growth path; the different market indicators support the notion that we are going in the right direction.
 

Holger Paulmann has been a director and advisor for SKY Airline since 2007. In 2013 he became COO and one year later was appointed CEO of the company.
During his administration he has promoted the modernization of the airline, finalizing the fleet renewal process and incorporating cutting-edge technology in Sky’s aircraft.