Aegean Airlines will kick off the New Year with a reduction in ticket surcharges by up to three euros for domestic and international flights because of falling oil prices, according to a recent announcement by a company spokesman.

Greece's largest private carrier raised surcharges in July when oil prices neared $146, but as 2008 drew to a close it was hovering around $43, its lowest level in almost four years.

"Due to the drop in oil prices, Aegean is reducing surcharges on domestic and international routes tickets by two and three euros respectively, starting from January," the spokesman said in a statement.

It was the second surcharge reduction in a two-month period.

The airline also said it will expand its European routes this year despite the global financial crisis, by adding flights to Brussels, Berlin, Barcelona, Vienna and Venice on new Airbus A320/321 aircraft.

The carrier, which said its fleet will number 21 Airbus jets by May, is also seeking permission from local authorities to begin flights to Istanbul and Tel Aviv.