PHOTOS: Croatia Airlines launches St. Petersburg

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Croatia Airlines has launched its two weekly seasonal summer service from Zagreb to St Petersburg, marking its return to the Russian market after more than a decade. The official launch ceremony took place at Pulkovo Airport on June 9. “The launch of the scheduled service to Croatia’s capital is a long awaited event for Saint Petersburg Airport. Today, St. Petersburg is the only destination served by Croatia Airlines in Russia, and it’s an honour for Pulkovo to be a starting point for the carrier’s development in the Russian market", Evgeniy Ilyin, Chief Commercial Officer of Northern Capital Gateway LLC, the operator of Pulkovo Airport, said. He added, "Every year many Russians choose Croatia as their vacation spot. At the same time, St. Petersburg remains one of the most visited cities in Europe, while favourable Russian rouble exchange rate makes travelling to Russia even more attractive. It is our strong belief that the new Croatia Airlines service to St. Petersburg will be in demand both among Russian and Croatian travellers. The carrier's CEO, Krešimir Kučko, noted, "We are delighted that St. Petersburg has become the 35th destination within Croatia Airlines’ route network. Our aircraft are now connecting two friendly cities whose bonds have been lasting for more than fifty years. The Zagreb – St. Petersburg route has been introduced for the first time in Croatia Airlines’ history. With direct flights on Thursdays and Sundays, we offer the citizens of St. Petersburg and Russia the fastest and most convenient traffic connection with Croatia. I believe that Croatian citizens will also recognise the value of this route and use this opportunity to discover the beauties of the former capital of the Russian Empire and Russia in general".