AnimaWings, a 100% Romanian full-service airline, has announced the signing of a strategic agreement for the local aviation industry. BT Asset Management SAI, part of the Banca Transilvania Financial Group, Winners Holding Investments, and EVERGENT Investments are joining as institutional investors, according to Romania Journal.
The new investors will accelerate the company’s development, with a future combined stake of 50%. AnimaWings aims to establish itself as a regional aviation player and to build a project of national significance.
The agreement was signed in Bucharest, at AnimaWings’ headquarters, and will undergo the necessary review and approval processes by the Competition Council and the Commission for the Examination of Foreign Direct Investments.
The three investors are key players in the local market: BT Asset Management SAI, part of the Banca Transilvania Financial Group, is the market leader in asset management by assets under management—over 10 billion lei—and by number of investors, around 475,000; Winners Holding Investments has a diversified portfolio of projects and investments across various sectors; and EVERGENT Investments, a fund listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange (EVER), manages assets of over 4 billion lei and has the largest market capitalization in its category, exceeding 2.6 billion lei.
“This moment represents much more than a financial transaction for us—it confirms that the project we started has substance, direction, and a future. We chose to grow alongside investors who understand that AnimaWings is not just an airline, but a project of national importance. Now, with the right partners and capital, we are ready to build the most ambitious private aviation project in Romania,” said Marius Pandel, CEO and co-founder of AnimaWings.
Continuity in leadership
The founders, Marius Pandel and Cristian Pandel, will remain shareholders, with Marius Pandel continuing as CEO alongside a management team with solid experience in aviation and business development. Maintaining the leadership structure ensures continuity in strategic direction and coherence in growth objectives.
The investment builds on an already validated business model and accelerates development plans, bringing top financial expertise, access to business networks, and strategic support for expansion.
Founded in 2020, AnimaWings is a fully Romanian airline developed within Memento Group, alongside the tour operator Christian Tour. Two years after its relaunch under full Romanian ownership and one year after entering the full-service and scheduled flight segment, the company has recorded steady growth across all operational dimensions—fleet, route network, and passenger base—demonstrating a solid, scalable, and competitive business model in the regional market.
The current fleet includes seven modern Airbus aircraft, with plans to expand to 14 aircraft by the end of 2027. The aircraft are configured with 137 to 180 seats and offer three service classes—Business, Premium Economy, and Economy—ensuring a complete full-service standard.
During the summer season, the airline will operate 60 routes to 30 destinations, covering both domestic flights—between Bucharest and major regional economic hubs such as Cluj-Napoca, Iași, Timișoara, and Oradea—and key European routes, including London, Paris, Munich, Milan, Istanbul, Prague, Athens, Stockholm, and Geneva.
For summer 2026, AnimaWings has announced its most extensive charter flight program yet, to destinations in Greece, Italy, Turkey, and Spain. The offering includes 25 holiday destinations, with direct flights to Olbia (Sardinia), Thessaloniki, Rhodes, Kefalonia, Crete, Corfu, Mallorca, Tenerife, Antalya, Zakynthos, and Chania, departing from Bucharest and other major cities across the country.
From Charter Specialist to Market Challenger
Founded in 2019, Animawings initially gained traction as the preferred partner for major tour operators. However, the last three years have seen a decisive shift in strategy. Following the full acquisition of the airline by the Romanian Memento Group (the owners of Christian Tour), the carrier has aggressively expanded its scheduled flight portfolio, challenging established low-cost and legacy carriers on high-traffic routes.
Key Milestones in the Airline’s Growth:
| Phase | Strategic Move | Impact |
| 2020–2022 | Aegean Airlines Partnership | Integration of Western operational standards and fleet support. |
| 2024 | Full Romanian Ownership | Memento Group acquires 100% of shares, localizing strategic control. |
| 2025–2026 | Fleet Modernization | Introduction of Airbus A220-300 aircraft to the fleet. |
| 2026 | Network Expansion | Launch of year-round scheduled flights to major European hubs. |
The Airbus A220 Era: Efficiency and Comfort
The defining chapter for Animawings in 2026 is the deployment of the Airbus A220-300. By choosing this state-of-the-art aircraft, the airline has positioned itself as an eco-conscious and passenger-centric operator. The A220’s superior fuel efficiency allows Animawings to maintain competitive pricing while offering a premium cabin experience, including wider seats and larger windows compared to traditional narrow-body jets.
This fleet upgrade has enabled the airline to optimize its middle-distance routes, connecting Bucharest and other Romanian cities to destinations in Greece, Spain, Cyprus, and Morocco with increased frequency and lower operational costs.
Strategic Hubs and Connectivity
Based at Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport, Animawings has also increased its presence in regional Romanian airports, such as Cluj-Napoca and Iași. By focusing on “leisure-business” hybrid routes, the airline caters to both holidaymakers and the growing number of expatriates and business travelers seeking reliable direct connections.
Current Network Strengths:
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Mediterranean Dominance: Extensive seasonal and year-round coverage of Greek islands and Turkish resorts.
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Urban Hubs: Strategic scheduled flights to Paris, Larnaca, and Marrakesh.
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Tour Operator Synergy: Seamless integration with Christian Tour packages, providing a guaranteed passenger base.
The “Boutique Airline” Philosophy
Unlike ultra-low-cost carriers that focus solely on volume, Animawings has cultivated a “boutique” identity. This approach emphasizes the quality of the flight experience, focusing on reliability and a more personalized level of customer service. In an era of increasing travel commoditization, this focus on the “human touch” has garnered a loyal customer base in the Romanian market.
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