Tarom

Tarom, operating with the IATA code RO and ICAO code ROT, is the national flag carrier of Romania and one of the oldest continuously operating airlines in Eastern Europe. The airline traces its roots to 1920, when the Romanian government established a predecessor called Compania Română de Navigație Aeriană (RNA), but the modern Tarom was officially founded on 18 September 1954 under the name Transporturile Aeriene Române, later rebranded as Tarom. Since its inception, the airline has been state-owned, with the Romanian Ministry of Transport playing a primary role in its ownership and strategic direction. While the carrier underwent partial privatisation efforts in the early 2000s, the Romanian government retained a controlling stake, and as of the present day, Tarom remains a fully state-owned enterprise. Its long history reflects Romania’s aviation development, from early Soviet-era fleets to the modernisation programmes that have shaped its current identity.

The airline’s fleet is composed primarily of Airbus narrow-body aircraft and ATR turboprops, reflecting its focus on short- to medium-haul operations within Europe and the Middle East. As of recent data, Tarom operates a mix of Airbus A318, A319, and A320-200 models, along with a significant number of ATR 72-500 and ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft. The fleet also includes a handful of ATR 42-500s, which serve thinner or regional sectors. The carrier has phased out older types such as the Boeing 737-300 and 737-700, moving toward a more unified Airbus and ATR composition. This fleet strategy balances efficiency on high-demand routes with the flexibility needed for secondary markets, while also supporting Tarom’s operational model as a full-service, network carrier. The average age of the fleet is moderate, and the airline has periodically explored fleet renewal initiatives to improve fuel efficiency and passenger comfort, though financial constraints have often slowed these ambitions.

Tarom’s primary hub is Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) in Otopeni, just north of Bucharest. This facility serves as the airline’s main base of operations, handling the vast majority of its departures and connections. The carrier also maintains a secondary operational base and focus city at Cluj-Napoca International Airport in Transylvania, which supports additional regional services, particularly in western Romania. These hubs are complemented by seasonal or operational focus on other major Romanian airports, but Henri Coandă remains the unquestioned heart of the network. As a flag carrier, Tarom operates under a traditional full-service model, offering multiple cabin classes, airport lounges for premium passengers, and loyalty benefits through its Flying Blue frequent-flyer programme, which is shared with other SkyTeam partners.

Tarom is a proud member of the SkyTeam global airline alliance, having joined on 25 June 2010. This membership has enhanced its connectivity and allowed passengers to earn and redeem miles across a vast network of partner airlines, including Delta Air Lines, Air France, KLM, and many others. The alliance affiliation has been a key milestone for Tarom, elevating its international profile and enabling codeshare agreements that extend its reach without adding aircraft. Other notable milestones in the airline’s history include the introduction of jet-powered services in the 1960s with the BAC One-Eleven and the acquisition of the Airbus A310 for long-haul flights in the 1990s. The carrier also earned recognition for safety and operational reliability, though it has faced financial challenges in recent years, leading to restructuring plans and discussions about potential partnerships or sale. Despite these hurdles, Tarom remains a symbol of Romanian civil aviation and continues to serve as the country’s primary flag carrier under the blue and yellow colours inspired by the national flag.