Air Serbia is aiming to deploy more Embraer aircraft on thinner routes this winter in an effort to reduce seasonality. The airline is expected to take delivery of two additional Embraer E195 jets by year’s end, bringing its total E195 fleet to four. However, the two incoming aircraft are not central to its winter schedule, and some delays may occur due to maintenance procedures ahead of the handover. While not officially confirmed, EX-YU Aviation News understands the incoming aircraft are likely ex-Azul Airlines frames. In addition, Air Serbia is expected to retain all four Bulgaria Air E190s over the winter through its ongoing wet-lease agreement.
Air Serbia has scheduled the deployment of its Embraer fleet on the Belgrade – Tbilisi route this winter, replacing the Airbus A319 used during the summer months. According to the current schedule, the airline also plans to maintain services to Ankara, Gothenburg, Hannover and Hamburg during the slower travel period in February and March, routes that were temporarily suspended during the same period the previous winter. Additionally, flights to Naples will be upgraded to year-round operations, maintained by the Embraer fleet. Other seasonal destinations are also currently under review and could be extended into the winter months through the use of E-jets.
Speaking recently to EX-YU Aviation News, the carrier’s CEO, Jiri Marek, said, “This winter, for example, we see some promising opportunities. Last year we already evaluated certain destinations for winter extension, but unexpected maintenance issues limited our capacity. Now, with the Embraers in the fleet, we’re seriously considering extending some routes, possibly even year-round service, where market conditions allow. Of course, as we saw recently with other airlines’ adjustments, there may still be short off-periods, but the long-term potential is evident.”
