Air Serbia considering ATR fleet expansion, freighter conversion
Air Serbia is considering expanding its ATR fleet once it completes replacing existing older versions of the turboprops with newer ones. Furthermore, the carrier is currently building a business case for the possibility of converting three of its owned ATR72-200s to freighters. Speaking to "ch-aviation" at the IATA AGM summit in Doha, the airline’s CEO, Jiri Marek, said, “The optimal size of the [ATR72 fleet] I would say is ten because then you can start benefiting from some economies of scale”. The airline currently has two ATR72-600s, delivered earlier this year, one ATR72-500 and three ATR72-200s, although only two of the latter are in operation.
Air Serbia is to take delivery of a third ATR72-600 in the coming weeks, replacing the sole remaining ATR72-500. A further two of the -600 series will join the fleet by the end of the year, however, the rising demand for small regional aircraft resulting from growing fuel prices is becoming an issue. The airline is seeking to find a lessor for the remaining two -600 series props, one of which would join the fleet in September or October and the other at the end of the year, in November or December. Once all the -600 version aircraft arrive, Air Serbia will phase out the ATR72-200s, which are now over thirty years old.
Since the Serbian carrier owns three of the remaining -200 series turboprops, Mr Marek noted the company is studying the possibility of entering the freighter market and using the aircraft for cargo flights. “We are looking into that option”, the CEO said. Cargo aircraft are being rushed into service amid a worldwide shortage in shipping capacity and the segment has proved to be extremely lucrative for airlines amid the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. Mr Marek said the airline is generally interested in further expanding into the freighter market but a lack of dedicated cargo aircraft, as well as conversion slots, are an issue. Air Serbia uplifted a record amount of cargo on its long haul service to New York last year using bellyhold capacity of its A330-200 passenger aircraft. Furthermore, during the past two years, it has deployed its passenger jets for special cargo-only flights, carrying medical equipment, vaccines and other pharmaceutical goods.
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