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Air Serbia will begin expanding its network this month with the introduction and resumption of routes, additional flights, expansion of its charter network and capacity growth. As of next week, the airline will increase frequencies on a number of destinations from its Belgrade base including Amsterdam, Athens, Berlin, Copenhagen, Dusseldorf, Milan, Oslo, Paris, Podgorica, Rome, Sarajevo, Skopje, Stockholm, Tivat, Zagreb and Zurich. The carrier will also resume operations to Venice next week after more than two years. During this month, Air Serbia will launch the first of its thirteen new routes, with services to Valencia to be inaugurated on April 21. Sales for the first flight are performing well, with the carrier upgrading capacity to the Airbus A320 aircraft.
Starting next week, Air Serbia is commencing its summer charter program with operations kicking off to Hurghada. This year, the carrier will maintain leisure flights to Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Italy and Algeria. Destinations include Antalya, Bodrum, Cephalonia, Chania, Corfu, Gazipasa, Dalaman, Heraklion, Hurghada, Izmir, Oran, Palermo, Rhodes, Samos, Sharm El Sheikh, Skiathos and Zakynthos. The most frequent are once again Antalya in Turkey and Hurghada in Egypt. Air Serbia will also operate charters from Niš to Antalya, Gizpasa and Hurghada, with services to commence in mid-June. “Although the peak travel period is still in June, July, August, and mid-September, in the last few years we have also seen growth in charter services during April, May, October, and November”, the airline said. Last year, Air Serbia operated a total of 1.100 round trip charter flights, carrying some 140.000 passengers.
The Serbian carrier is expected to see a boost in demand next month after the basketball EuroLeague Final Four tournament, which was due to be held in Berlin, was moved to Belgrade due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. In line with the expected finalists and spike in demand, the airline is increasing capacity on flights to Athens and Barcelona, with teams from Greece, Spain and Turkey expected to take part. In the coming period, Air Serbia also plans to expand its Airbus fleet, to complement the addition of regional turboprop aircraft. The carrier’s CEO, Jiri Marek, recently said, “We are continuing the massive expansion of our network in order to complement the existing service and provide passengers the broadest possible selection when planning trips and holidays. We plan to fly to more than sixty destinations in Europe, North America, and the Middle East this year. An exciting a dynamic period is ahead of us”.
The amount of passengers they handle on charters is substantial.
ReplyDeleteI think it accounted for 10% of all passengers last year.
DeleteI wonder why there's no outbound leisure charter demands for OU, C3 from ZAG. Croatia has Adriatic coast, but still.
DeletePeople don't come in amounts, they come in numbers.
Delete'Air Serbia will also operate charters from Niš to Antalya, Gizpasa and Hurghada, with services to commence in mid-June.'
ReplyDeleteI wonder how many passengers INI will handle. Could they reach 400.000 this year? In March they had just over 51.000 which is impressive. They are at 81.000 now.
You are wrong.
DeleteINI accounted 51k for the whole Q1.
Still, great job of INI.
I think it's fantastic JU finally put the ATR on INI-LJU, the A319 was just too big for that market.
DeleteIST flights were also long overdue.
It didn't make any sense using ATR from BEG to LJU yet using A319 from INI. I'm happy they made the change.
DeleteAnyone know if BEG is opening its terminal expansion this month?
ReplyDeleteOpening was moved to June.
DeleteI'm certain Valencia will do really well. Wonder which other of their new routes and performing well in bookings.
ReplyDeleteI've heard Amman is doing good and many tour operators have included Jordan in their summer offer.
DeleteI know for a fact that Bari is selling exceptionally well. Trieste is doing the worst.
DeleteItaly seems to be becoming one of their main markets.
DeleteYes. So now they will have flights to Rome, Milan, Venice, Trieste, Bologna and Bari.
DeleteWow 6 cities! It is even more than Germany.
DeleteI don't know how sales are going and if it will stick in the future, but I recommend everyone to use the opportunity to visit their new destination Salzburg. City looks like from a fairytale.
DeleteI think Salzburg has a lot of potential as there is a lot of local demand, they can get some transfers and it can be operated by the ATR
DeleteSalzburg and Bologna were performing exceptionally from Nis, which is why I think they moved it to BEG.
DeleteINI-BLQ had about 80-90 passengers on a good day. It's not that good on A319. I think from Belgrade it has more potential as demand is much larger.
DeleteFor PSO flight it is not bad at all.
DeleteBologna and Trieste are performing the worst.
DeleteI'm really wondering how you all know what's performing worst. Based on what exactly.
DeleteWell it's not hard to check and know if you work for JU. BEG people are also updated from time to time
DeleteLast time around the final 4 was taking place in BEG it provided a huge boost in passenger numbers. Hopefully we will have the same outcome this year.
ReplyDelete+1
DeleteThree Greek friends of mine are coming to Belgrade from Athens to cheer for Panathinaikos. Fares on JU and A3 are so high that they are flying in on OS for €200.
DeleteWizz Air's BCN-BEG on the 18th is selling for €130 without luggage. Seems like fans are rushing to buy their flights.
Seems like Real Madrid might also be in the Final 4 so let's see if we get some MAD-BEG charters.
If Efes gets to the final I expect TK to send B777 to BEG because of all their fans. Turks already love coming to Serbia so now imagine this.
DeleteFour years ago it was crazy. I doubt it will be at such a large scale this year because of covid but still.
Delete"As a result of the basketball championship finals taking place between May 18 and 20, some 45 additional flights, both scheduled and private, are planned to run in the coming week. Of those, at least ten will be operated by wide-body equipment, while a number of carriers, among which are Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, Wizz Air and Swiss are sold out on select flights to Belgrade during the event.
Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, Atlasglobal, Aegean Airlines and Aeroflot have scheduled additional services during the championships. Turkish carriers are leading the way, with Turkish Airlines deploying its Airbus A330-300 aircraft to Belgrade across the week on its scheduled flights. Furthermore, it will operate up to four return services per day on select dates. Pegasus plans to run up to three daily flights to the Serbian capital, while Atlasglobal intends on operating its Airbus A321 jets twice per day. A number of charter flights will also be run during the week by carriers such as Astra Airlines from Athens, Republic Airways from Vilnius, Freebird Airlines and SunExpress from Istanbul and KlasJet from Kaunas, although additional fan charters are also expected."
https://www.exyuaviation.com/2018/05/belgrade-set-for-euroleague-passenger.html
I think covid might be the reason why demand will be massive. They moved it from Berlin because they didn't want to allow spectators. People want to travel after being locked up for 2 years.
DeleteI am looking at Aegean's fares right now and they are crazy that week.
DeleteTuesday 17.05 €216
Wednesday 18.05 €349
Friday 20.05 €349
What I don't get is why didn't they increase capacity like JU did. They have the A321.
@ANONYMOUS 09:57 Because they know there are some obsessed super fans with their teams that are willing to pay those fares.
DeleteWhen will the remaining ATR 72-600s come?
ReplyDeleteI think it was mentioned that they come in May.
DeleteThey will get them when they need them most :)
DeleteI like that they have taken initiative and are growing.
ReplyDeleteCompared to other airlines in the region, not bad at all.
ReplyDeleteOU is doing just as well, expanding operations this summer!
DeleteIt is introducing 14 new routes and expanding its fleet? Did I miss something?
DeleteOU has made a single move, with no expansion: they moved from ZAG to SPU.
DeleteThat is all they did.
Some people simply can't understand that anything related with Adeze, including Adeze Airlines OU, is well, excellent, perfect, prestigious, better than others... It requires no explanation, no justification, no questioning. It's divine, it's untouchable, it's one and only, and we should all be thankful and grateful to God on its existence and brave leadership
DeleteI recently saw that this peak summer they have 41 weekly flights to Tivat.
ReplyDeleteNot sure if it is some kind of a record for them.
DeleteHow many did they have pre Covid?
Deletecharters to Zanzibar,Maldives pls!
ReplyDeleteWould it be possible to fly with A319 to Zanzibar?
DeleteYes. Its 6000 km and some domestic routes in Russia of that length are served by narrow body. But sitting seven and more hours aboard a crowded narrowbody plane is something most people would rather avoid. So they prefer switchovers in Dubai, Doha, Cairo or wherever, even Europe if the switch is to a widebody to Zanzibar.
DeleteThank you. I was not sure what is flying range of JU A319, but I see now it is 6900 km.
DeleteIf we have a look on BEG-DXB flight it lasts 1 hour less, but still we have so many flights by FZ.
I would personally prefer sitting one hour more in a narrow body than having transfer flight that would make my journey much longer.
Most narrowbody flights from Europe to Zanzibar stop in Egypt. I doubt JU would fly the A319 directly from BEG.
DeleteMaybe due to reason that they fly with A320 and A321 which have shorter flying range.
DeleteAlso let's not forget that flying from let's say FRA to ZNZ is 1000 km longer than flying from BEG.
@10,24
DeleteI'm not sure where you got that info that BEG-DXB is 1 hour shorter than BEG-ZNZ.
According to gcmapper:
BEG-DXB: 3819km
BEG-ZNZ: 5961km
Difference in distance is roughly compared to BEG-MAD (3h 15min block time).
Block times:
DXB-BEG: 5h 55min
BEG-DXB: 5h 10min
BEG-ZNZ would therefore be over well over 8 hours flight time. Take into consideration you will have a full flight with luggage, fuel needed for the distance, weather enroute, plus reserve fuel for diversion, as well as a densely configured A319, I would say a direct flight is more than pushing the limit. I'm not sure if you have sat in a narrow body for 6 hours, it ain't fun. BEG-ZNZ direct on an A319 would be absolutely horrible.
For comparison, you can check out TK's flights to ZNZ on the B737 Max. TK send their narrow bodies to a number of these long, African rotations and TK are notorious for not being able to load all cargo onboard, including pax luggage, due to sector length and weight restrictions to carry fuel. Mind you, TK's aircraft are not densely configured.
@JATBEGMEL
DeleteMy reaction was on previous anon information that the flight to ZNZ would take 7 hours. Comparing to it 6 hours on flight BEG-DXB is one hour less.
Flight range is usually calculated with max density for certain aircraft type (156 passengers for A319) and of course under all the conditions you mentioned above.
And under these conditions A319 flight range is 1000 km longer than route BEG-ZNZ (A319 = 6900 km, BEG-ZNZ = 5900km).
Mind you, TK 737 Max has 1300 km less flight range than A319 so therefore there is no surprise they make extra cargo calculations. I would say TK is pushing the limit taking in consideration that flight range of B737 Max is 5600 km and they fly it on the route that is 5.352 km long.
I'm not sure where you're getting the range info for the A319, but I'll take a good guess and say it's Wikipedia.
DeleteThe info regarding range mentions typical payload but isn't precise. Typical seat configuration listed is between 124-134 seats, JU is 144.
Range between A319 and B737 Max 8 listed on Wikipedia shows a difference of roughly 400km, not 1300km as you mentioned.
Regarding flight time, it wouldn't be 7 hours, I'm not sure where that person got that info from, it's actually roughly 9 hours.
Can someone explain me what does wide body aircraft makes more comfortable than the narrow body?
DeletePersonally, I fly both on distances 2-4h, never more. I am 195 tall and the difference in comfort was about space between seats for legs.... Also, all those additional people in wide body made me feel more nervous, but maybe that's just me.
I don't say one is right or wrong, I am just interested in your opinion why one is better/ more comfortable than the other one. Tnx.
@21,56
DeletePersonally, 2-4 hours in a narrow body is no problem. I've done countless numbers of these short flights in all sorts of aircraft - ATR, ERJ, CRJ, Avro 85, B737, A320, Tu-204, Fokker. But that too depends on the sector. Would you do 2 hours on an ATR to ATH? When the sector is 6 hours (DXB-BEG for example), its bearable to say the best. I would say the airline onboard product counts alot for these long sectors ie IFE, seat amenities, catering. Food keeps you occupied for a while, IFE occupied with movies and tv series, it helps. JU's densely configured A319's with 144 seats, no IFE, no power outlets even if you did bring your own device, on a 9 hour sector would be a brutal way to start your holiday.
Great news. They just keep growing.
ReplyDeleteI think they are taking on too much. Don't know what will happen with their schedule if one of their aircraft goes tech.
ReplyDeleteThey will lease more equipment than stated in the article.
DeleteHopefully they add MBX sometime.
ReplyDeleteEurowings is restoring STR-BEG this week. Will be interesting to see how they impact JU and W6.
ReplyDeleteWaiting for them to restore Tel Aviv and Cairo.
ReplyDeleteArkia is resuming BEG this month and I don't see JU bringing back the flights soon. Market has not recovered yet and there is not enough room for two players.
DeleteThey concluded codeshares with Turkish Airlines and Ita Airways for Tel Aviv and Cairo. I think it is a good indication they won't bring these two back any time soon.
DeleteIt's good to have some optimistic players in the market.
ReplyDeleteGreat news
ReplyDeleteDoes anybody knows JU`s performance from KVO?
ReplyDeleteAny clue?
KVO-IST is packed which isn't a surprise since Novi Pazar is some 90 minutes away.
DeleteNice to hear that.
DeleteDoes it means KVO registered some 2,5k-3,0k pax in Q1 22?
If yes, it is more than they did in their entire history so far :)
If I only remeber that some so called "experts from the region" said there that "there is no bread on this route" 🤣
DeleteInteresting times are coming ahead
ReplyDeleteJU needs to capitalize on the situation and get another inter-continental plane.
ReplyDeleteGlobal situation is not that great actually to be expanding long haul.
DeleteThat's true, this time around they have valid excuse. At least they don't have to come up with yet another fake excuse as in the past.
Delete@14,09
DeleteDistroyed finances that resulted in a 2 year consolidation process apparently is not a valid excuse.
No it's not a valid excuse. Air Serbia will never have enough profit on it's own to launch any additional long haul service yet they have to grow long haul if they want to ensure long term survival. Quite a conundrum isn't it?
DeleteThey have to execute long haul expansion instead of just yapping about it every couple of months. It will be costly and painful but will bear fruit 5, 6 or 10 years down the road. Problem is, when you don't plan being around long term you only care about achievements you can put in your CV over the next couple of years. It will come down to government ordering long haul to be expanded regardless of airport costs, fuel discounts, overflight charges etc.
That's not how it works. Serbian Government can not be handing out unlimited subsidies and expect no reaction from the EU, with which it has an open skies policy. EU carriers have previously complained about JU subsidies. JU losing landing rights in EU countries because of distorting competition through subsidies would be a major hit to the airline.
DeleteLong haul is not a must for their long term survival as evident with AZ for example, which had a decent long haul network and they no longer exist.
There is a massive difference in the losses between 2016 and 2019. If the loss from 2016 was not an issue they wouldn't have had the major consolidation they had starting 2017. The whole concept that was Air Serbia changed in those 2 years, which required investment. Investment that set the path for their massive expansion in 2019. It's not just about waiting to be profitable, but bringing loss to a more manageable level. The airline is slowly growing into profitability which is important. This is where the Euro-Med network comes in better as positive results are quicker to achieve. Long haul btw should not take 5-10 years to be profitable.
Last but not least, JU doesn't "yap" about long haul expansion every couple of months, rather the government and its affiliates ie Serbia Post which last year mentioned direct flights to China starting January 2022. JU has barely spoken about their fleet expansion that will happen in the next couple of months, let alone "yap" every couple of months about long haul. They didn't even talk about this summers expansion until they announced the routes. So not sure where you got that JU is every couple of months "yapping" about long haul expansion.
In essence, expanding EuroMed network. Waiting for Godot profitability.
DeleteAirline equivalent of "This is fine" meme!
@21,59
DeleteIt is fine for them. You're the one complaining.
No where did any article say they were waiting for profitability. Losses as of 2019 were at a more manageable level considering their massive expansion, which is why another was set for 2020. Had Covid not hit and decimated their finances, probably there would of been another long haul route. Also, had JU not wasted hundreds of millions of Euros on their boutique concept, who knows what their size could of been now. ARA was replaced with ARB which is the main thing, they obviously aren't stepping away from long haul.
It's fine and comfortable for them. But great things don't happen when things are just fine. People (including pilots) risked their careers and safe jobs they had elsewhere to come to Belgrade and help launch JFK service. They could have just stayed safe and fine instead. Is there one person at Air Serbia now willing to risk it all, to get Air Serbia their second widebody and new route no matter what it takes? Doubt it.
DeleteGoing from ARA to ARB didn't take any guts. It was not a stroke of genius, just a stroke of CPA.
I wish JU the best
ReplyDeleteExcellent job Air Serbia!
ReplyDeleteJU again responding quickly with capacity increases on key routes.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to Airbus expansion, which aircraft will they get. A319, A320 or A321?
ReplyDeleteA321.
DeleteThey are not getting an A321. Stop spreading misinformation.
DeleteThey did file the A321 on Amsterdam route (one way though) in June or July but they clarified that it was a mistake and reverted back to A319.
DeleteWhat happened to APH ? It came into service, flew to TGD and then on the way back was late 2 hrs and since then didn't fly again. It was scheduled to SVO but then replaced by the A319
ReplyDeleteGood question.
DeleteWill they manage to start Krasnodar as planned later this month?
ReplyDeleteThe airport is still closed
DeleteThey won't. Like anon said above airport is still closed. JU moved the provisional resumption date to 1st May.
DeleteThanks
DeleteI'm intrigued by these Algeria charters. What's that about?
ReplyDeleteMe too.
DeleteEspecially as Serbian passport holders need visa for Algeria.
They are probably obtained easily. Herad there are some resorts in Algeria.
DeleteAlgerian visa is a complicated process even when applying for one via a travel agency. Fees, depending on the country, is around $160. You also need to have proof of return travel as well as an invitation letter from someone in Algeria. The process can take several days. Algeria still hasn't implemented an eVisa system. I too am intrigued how this will work, unless a visa free regime is about to be implemented, which I doubt.
DeleteThey are obviously pre organised tours where everything will be arranged well ahead of schedule.
Delete@14,55
DeleteEven with preorganised tours, the process isn't any easier. You still need an invitation letter, which will be arranged by a representative in Algeria. The remaining process is the same.
Algeria had about 1.8 million tourists in 2019, more than half coming from Tunisia. Next on the list being France, most likely French Algerians. In comparison, Morocco had roughly 13 million tourists. I would assume Algerias visa policy is the reason behind the lack of tourists.
I went to Algeria some 7-8 years ago. I took my passport and photo to the Embassy in Zagreb, filled in the form I paid some 20 - 30 euro fee, and got my visa the same day. Maybe it's more complicated with Serbian passport, but for croatian it was fast, cheap and with no back up papers required
DeleteHow did you like Algeria? Where did you go?
DeleteThey have to somehow tap in into the Doha market for the 2 World Cup months, on top of eventual charters, of course - the asking airfares are already insane w QR asking for 1000EUR+ for most of the relevant date combinations.
ReplyDeletePerhaps offer a daily schedule and/or interline via Istanbul, Beirut, Amman, Cairo, perhaps even Larnaca.
Having in mind that 1-2M people are expected in Qatar over those 2 months, for airlines this stops being a competition - it is a problem of how to combinedly meet the demand w extremely high yields, and all that in a very slow period of November and part of December...
Definitely. I think there will be quite a few charter flights. For example I noticed that Mozart betting company is already advertising a charter for 150 people from Belgrade to the World Cup.
DeleteAs far as JU goes, I don't see them scheduling any flights. They will probably have regular charters once per week (like to Dubai all through Expo).
Delete