New Slovenian start-up eyes summer launch
Start-up SouthEast Airlines has been established in Slovenia with its initial focus being on charters and ACMI (aircraft. crew. maintenance and insurance) wet-lease flights. The carrier is being set up by former Adria Airways pilot Blaž Berdnik. According to the “Sierra5” portal. Mr Berdnik has joined forces with former Adria employees. as well as the Chinese investor who last year became the part-owner of the Adria Airways Pilot Academy. “In early 2019, me and the team decided it might be time for a new and fresh approach to the aviation sector in Slovenia. Preparations for such a major project are very complex. which is why it took us between eighteen and twenty months to reveal our plans to the public. In January we had an interview with the Slovenian Civil Aviation Agency where we officially confirmed our intention to establish a new airline based in Slovenia”. Mr Berdnik told “Sierra5”.
SouthEast Airlines is in the process of obtaining an Air Operator’s Certificate which will enable it to commence operations. The carrier is aiming to launch in June and 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. “This year will be a year of opportunities. especially for those who have a good plan and good business connections. Europeans want to travel. which was on display last summer when certain countries reopened for a short period of time”, Mr Berdnik said.
The start-up is yet to decide whether it will be based in Ljubljana or at Maribor Airport but will not limit itself exclusively to Slovenia. It will put an emphasis on the entire Southeast European region, hence the name. On the other hand, Croatian charter carrier Trade Air has one A320 based in the Slovenian capital, as well as extensive cooperation with local tour operators. Ljubljana Airport’s General Manager, Zmago Skobir, recently said there were plans to increase charter operations from the Slovenian capital. noting there was strong interest for destinations such as Dubai. the Seychelles. Maldives. Zanzibar. the Caribbean but also Sarajevo due to nearby ski resorts.
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