ETF Airways takes delivery of first jet, gets AOC

Croatian start-up carrier ETF Airways has taken delivery of its first aircraft, a 189-seat Boeing 737-800, and has been issued with a Croatian Air Operator’s Certificate, enabling it to commence operations. The jet, registered 9A-LAB, and nicknamed “Voyager”, was presented at Pula Airport yesterday after being prepared for service in Belgrade for several weeks. A second aircraft, nicknamed “Enterprise”, is expected to arrive early next month after being prepared for service in Ireland. The arrival of the carrier’s first jet in Pula was greeted by Boeing’s Sales Director Matthew Bull as ETF becomes the first Croatian operator of Boeing aircraft in decades.

ETF will initially be an ACMI and charter operator leasing its aircraft and crew to foreign airlines. The carrier’s CEO, Stjepan Bedić, noted, "The market is recovering quickly following the easing of restrictions this spring. Demand for our services outside of Croatia is growing beyond all expectations. We have a great team of people who have managed to respond to every challenge and prepare our company for our first season of operations with two Boeing aircraft. This is the first time in thirty years that Boeing will have a presence on the Southeast European market”. The airline’s management board member, Marko Banković, added, “For smaller airlines it's almost impossible to compete against giants such as Ryanair and Lufthansa. However, there are many niches on the market, in part related to tourism, in which there is more than enough room for companies like ours".

The Deputy Chair of the airline’s Supervisory Board, Velimir Šonje, said, “Beginning operations outside of Croatia does not mean that ETF Airways won't become an important part of Croatia’s tourism industry. It's a big world, but we are first of all a Croatian company. A charter plane is an irreplaceable link and we are sure that the opening of new markets and bridges to high-income travellers will continue in the years ahead”. The airline has already signed its first permanent contract which will see it connect EU destinations with the non-EU markets of Southeastern Europe. The carrier said it will initially operate charters but could eventually base a jet in Croatia.