Local start-ups prepare for launch
The Covid-19 pandemic has sent many airlines spinning into financial ruin, and some will not survive the industry’s largest crisis. However, there are start-up airlines that are defying the bleak environment and persevering with plans to launch operations. While there is no doubt they are entering service during extremely challenging market conditions, they do have some advantages. Aircraft are much cheaper to obtain now, and airlines can start at a scale that suits the depressed demand - which is a luxury the incumbents do not have, with their fleets that were designed to suit the pre-pandemic world. Competition will also be less fierce for the immediate future, giving the start-ups some breathing space to establish a foothold.
In the former Yugoslav region, several airlines are looking to start operations. They include ETF Airways, which is closest to launch, the ambitious Dubrovnik-based premium long haul carrier Pragusa.One, another Croatian start-up being set up by the boss of Germany’s Sundair, as well as Slovenia’s SouthEast Airlines and Montenegro’s new national carrier ToMontenegro.
Based on its current plans, ETF Airways intends on taking delivery of its first Boeing 737-800 aircraft later this month or in early April. The AerCap leased jet will be used for charter flights. ETF intends on focusing on routes from the Croatian Adriatic coast, such as Dubrovnik, Pula, Split and Zadar, to airports in France, Germany and the UK. As EX-YU Aviation News learns, the airline has been in discussions with local tour operators over making its aircraft available to shuttle passengers to the Croatian coast on their behalf.
Elsewhere in Croatia, the owner and CEO of German charter carrier Sundair intends on launching a new airline this coming summer. Although initially planned to commence operations in late April or early May, its first flight is now expected during the third quarter. The airline is currently working on obtaining an AOC [Air Operator’s Certificate]. Meanwhile, the UK-registered Pragusa.One has set out an ambitious plan to commence flights from Dubrovnik and Prague to a number of destinations in the United States, Canada, China, Japan, South Africa, Malaysia and Singapore with a fleet of Airbus A330 and A350 aircraft. Based on reports, the carrier will apply for an Air Operator’s Certificate in April and has secured incentives from its base airports.
SouthEast Airlines hopes to launch operations from either Ljubljana or Maribor in Slovenia this June with its initial focus being on charters and ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance) wet-lease flights. The carrier has already finalised contracts for a demanding charter season this coming summer. Its initial focus will be on European Union markets. The airline will acquire an Airbus A320 jet in order to commence operations but intends on growing its fleet by adding another aircraft of the same type by the end of the year, with a total of six planned by 2023. Cabin crew are currently undergoing training.
Montenegro hopes to establish its new national carrier by June following the collapse of Montenegro Airlines. The state has acquired two Embraer E195 jets for the carrier, however, its CEO noted the fleet will grow in line with demand, with up to six jets currently planned. The airline’s first route from both Podgorica and Tivat will be Belgrade. There are also a few other destinations that are of interest, but their launch will depend on whether those markets are open at the time ToMontenegro commences operations, as well as demand and cooperation with tour operators. These markets include Russia and a select few in Western Europe.
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