Astraeus

Advantages: Massive leg room. Nice little touches
Disadvantages: None

...Astraeus - a Greek mythological character who was husband of Ares, cursed by Aphrodite. He was the father of the stars and the four winds, Zephyrus, Borras, Notus, and Oesphorus. The airline is a charter and scheduled airline based in Crawley. Astraeus operates charter services to destinations in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. They fly from Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, and Exeter. The company was born on 21st march 2002, and commenced operations on the 6th April 2002. In 2004 they started trans-Atlantic flights. Astraeus comprises of eight aircraft, three Boeing 737-300s, two Boeing 737-700s, and three Boeing 757-200s, one of which we had the privilege of flying on to Kefalonia, (Cephalonia), (keffalinia). For added interest Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden is a first officer for Astraeus airlines. CHECK... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: ON TIME
Disadvantages: No Entertainment

...Astraeus are a 'No frills' airline flying to mostly european destinations from various british airports including Manchester, Leeds Bradford and Belfast. Check In No Queue, Unbelievable, Nobody, not one, not a bag in site, no screaming children up to early, no chav with a boom box, brilliant. Ticket-less check quick easy and simple. Take-off Although not qualified to comment on the actual take-off procedure, 3 essentials were met: 1. We did not crash and die 2. We left on time 3. I had a seat and could move my legs The flight By the time wehad taken off, I had been for the obligatory post take off toilet break and eaten my breakfast (Bacon, Sausage, egg and beans) I had not realised that there was no entertainment. Only being a short 2 1/2 hr flight though it made a pleasent change, I didnt see half a movie, any... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: On time and friendly service
Disadvantages: Bruce Dickinson didn't pilot our plane!

...We flew with Astraeus in May 2004 by Boeing 737 to Lesvos - we had booked with Direct Greece and since they don't have their own airline holidaymakers get added onto someone else's flights , but this did not prove a problem. Astraeus otherwise known as Aeolus (or Aiolos, Αἴολος) in Greek Mythology was the Keeper of the Winds, and this is obviously where they took their name. I am pleased to say they were on time , both in and out. The aircraft was spotless and the aircrew efficient. We had pre-booked vegetarian meals and had emailed the airline a week beforehand to check these were available , and on both flights our meals arrived with no problems. As an additional piece of interest Bruce Dickinson lead singer of Samson and Iron Maiden is a First Officer of this airline ... I was rather disappointed... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful