Air Serbia's Airbus renewal delayed until 2022
The renewal of Air Serbia's Airbus fleet has been pushed back until 2022, the Serbian Finance Minister, Siniša Mali, who served as the President of the airline's Supervisory Board between 2013 and 2018, said. Mr Mali noted the national carrier will replace its eight Airbus A319 and two A320 jets within a three year period in the lead-up to 2025. The airline was to start taking delivery of ten A320neo jets late last year, however, part-owner Etihad Airways cancelled its order for the aircraft this January, which were destined for Air Serbia. "Their acquisition has not been terminated but moved for the period between 2022 and 2025, as the aircraft we have been leasing so far have shown to be very efficient. Since Air Serbia is profitable, it was concluded that new aircraft would impact the airline's finances due to their cost", Mr Mali said.
Air Serbia's existing Airbus fleet, which also includes one wide-body A330-200 jet, has an average age of thirteen years. The airline leases all of its aircraft produced by the European manufacturer. "Since the A319 and A320 have done a stellar job, there is no need to acquire the A320neos at this point. They are better in terms of fuel efficiency, but considering Air Serbia's destination network, which is primarily made up of short haul routes, this efficiency would not give desired results", Mr Mali noted. Over the years, the Finance Minister has not had the best track record in communicating Air Serbia's fleet plans to the public. Mr Mali previously announced Air Serbia would replace its entire ATR fleet in order for its to serve all regional destinations twice per day, announced the acquisition of a second long haul aircraft back in 2016, and was the one to announce the order for the ten A320neos back in 2013. At the time he noted, "These modern, well equipped aircraft are vital to the development of a reliable, customer-oriented and profitable airline".
In January, Air Serbia said, "Discussions on the long-term development of our fleet continue to be a part of strategic talks with our partner Etihad Airways. The airline industry is experiencing significant competition, which is becoming stronger. With changes in demand and aggressive competition, as well as fluctuating fuel prices as the biggest fixed cost for any airline, all carriers are carefully examining the long-term development of their fleets. This is the primary reason Etihad decided to cancel the order for the ten Airbus A320neo aircraft". The Serbian carrier will wet-lease a Bombardier CRJ900 jet from Nordica between June and October to cater for its growing route network.
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