ToMontenegro unveils launch plans
Montenegro’s new national carrier is hoping to launch ahead of the height of the summer season. It initially plans to operate two aircraft but is adamant more will join the fleet. ToMontenegro’s CEO, Predrag Todorović, said, “Now is the time for a fresh start. The aim is to create a new and modern airline that will be based on market principles. It will be efficient and have a sustainable business model. Having a national carrier is a necessity and we want Montenegrins to be connected with Europe and the world. Due to its geographic location, Montenegro relies heavily on air transport. This new airline is considered an investment by the government, not an expense, as it will give back to the economy”.
The state recently purchased two Embraer E195 jets for the new national carrier. These were previously operated by Montenegro Airlines through an operational lease, however, the company missed a number of payments for the jets. “In the long run, over a period of ten years, it is much cheaper to have aircraft in your ownership than to lease them. We have these two jets as a foundation from which we will build up the airline. However, no one sets up a carrier just to have two aircraft. We will have three, four and even six. It is completely unprofitable, and the fixed costs are too high, to have just two jets. How quickly the fleet will develop depends on market conditions. The company will be developed in phases”, Mr Todorović said.
The airline’s first route from both Podgorica and Tivat will be Belgrade. “We are lucky to have a route such as Belgrade that generates significant revenue and profits that we will be able to rely on from the very beginning. 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 we commence operations, as well as demand and cooperation with tour operators”, the CEO noted. He added, “For example, the Russian market is of great interest, as well as a select few in Western Europe where we have large tour operators buying significant capacity. They have already shown some interest but if that particular country is closed then there is no point in flying there and we will have to adapt to those changes”.
ToMontenegro plans to set itself apart from its predecessor. “We want this airline to be the pride of our country and serve as an example in the region as to how well such a business can be run. The most efficient airlines are usually not state-owned, so our aim is to base our development on such principles while being owned by the government. Our goal is to launch before the summer, which would be important for Montenegro’s entire economy. We know everything that needs to be done and we are working on achieving this goal. However, not everything is up to us. There are certain regulations that have to be met, both at home and abroad”, Mr Todorović concluded.
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