TAROM (Transporturile Aeriene Române) is Romania’s flag carrier and one of the oldest airlines in the world. Established in 1954, TAROM initially operated as a branch of the Romanian Ministry of Defense, but soon developed into a full-fledged commercial airline. Today, TAROM is a member of the SkyTeam alliance and serves over 50 destinations in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
The TAROM fleet consists of a mix of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, including the A318, A319, A320, A330, and 737-300. The airline also operates several turboprop aircraft such as the ATR-42 and ATR-72. The average age of the TAROM fleet is 10.8 years, making it one of the oldest fleets in Europe.
Throughout its history, TAROM has achieved several milestones. In 1956, the airline became the first to fly the Ilyushin Il-14 aircraft in Europe. In 1957, the airline launched its first international flight to Vienna. In the same year, TAROM became the first airline to offer scheduled domestic flights in Romania. In 1960, the airline launched its first long-haul flight to Tokyo, making it the first Romanian airline to fly to Asia.
In 1985, TAROM became the first airline in Romania to launch a frequent flyer program, Club Tarom. In 1996, TAROM launched its first low-cost subsidiary, TAROM Low Cost. In 2006, the airline became a member of the SkyTeam alliance, making it the first Romanian airline to join a global alliance.
In the decades since its establishment, TAROM has faced several challenges. In 1971, one of the airline’s planes, an Ilyushin Il-18, crashed near the city of Ploieşti, killing all 19 people on board. In 1997, the airline was forced to suspend operations due to a lack of funding. In the same year, the airline was placed under federal investigation for alleged financial mismanagement. In 1998, TAROM was declared bankrupt and was forced to suspend all operations.
Despite these challenges, TAROM has managed to remain a major player in the aviation industry. The airline has continued to modernize its fleet and expand its network of destinations. Through its membership in the SkyTeam alliance, TAROM has been able to offer its passengers access to a vast network of destinations around the world.
Today, TAROM remains an important part of Romania’s aviation industry. The airline continues to modernize its fleet, expand its network of destinations, and serve its customers with quality service. Through its commitment to safety and innovation, TAROM has become a respected name in the aviation industry.
Comments