EX-YU flag carriers outline summer fleet expansion plans
The three national carriers in the former Yugoslavia - Croatia Airlines, Air Montenegro and Air Serbia - are all adding aircraft to their fleet this summer season. The Croatian carrier is set to begin the process next month with the lease of an Airbus A320-family jet. The company has said it plans to use the aircraft primarily as a backup for its existing fleet, while at the same time significantly increasing the use of the type. The plane will be leased on a longer-term basis and will increase the overall size of the fleet to thirteen, with a total of seven Airbuses and six Dash 8 Q400 turboprops.
Air Montenegro has concluded a wet-lease for an Airbus A320 aircraft from Croatia’s Trade Air, which began operations on behalf of the Montenegrin carrier over the weekend. As part of the wet-lease arrangement, Trade Air is providing the aircraft, complete crew, maintenance, and insurance. The jet will operate on behalf of the Montenegrin carrier until the end of the 2022 summer season in late October. Air Montenegro had initially considered dry-leasing an A320, however, following detailed analysis of the market and existing circumstances, the company opted for a short-term lease instead. The A320 joins the carrier’s two Embraer E190 jets.
Air Serbia began the process of its fleet renewal and expansion prior to the start of the summer season, with the arrival of its first of five ATR72-600 turboprops. More aircraft of the same type are set to be delivered to Belgrade in the coming weeks, with the process expected to be completed by the end of summer. Furthermore, the airline will take delivery of an Airbus A319 aircraft in the coming days. The jet, registered YU-APN, will undergo cabin refurbishment in Belgrade, after which it will enter the fleet. Depending on market conditions, the carrier is considering leasing additional Airbus A320-family aircraft this summer.
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