Montenegro Airlines mulls Boeing jets

Montenegro Airlines is considering adding Boeing aircraft as part of its fleet renewal plans. The carrier intends on replacing its two remaining Fokker 100 jets in 2019 and 2020, but is yet to decide on a firm substitute. Speaking to "FlightGlobal" magazine, Montenegro Airlines' CEO, Živko Banjević, said the carrier will either become an all-Embraer operator or order "larger jets", such as Boeing 737-700s. Taking two Embraer 195s would involve "trying to find additional aircraft over the summer", he said. The airline has not decided how it would finance the new arrivals, but Mr Banjević stressed that cost calculations have assumed an "operational lease only". The airline has been battling with record debt and losses over the past few years.

According to Montenegro Airlines' CEO, replacing the Fokkers with jets such as the B737 MAX would increase costs by 1.5 - 2 million euros per year. However, Mr Banjević believes this could be offset by higher aircraft utilisation rates and that, with more seats on sale, the net effect could be "near to zero". Furthermore, the CEO noted that the MAX jets could open up new markets. A final decision on the future make-up of the carrier's fleet will be made by the Montenegrin government, which has in recent weeks reaffirmed its commitment to the airline and its importance to the country's tourism industry.

Montenegro Airlines plans to lease out additional capacity on a six-month basis for next summer season. Mr Banjević noted that the jet will be "larger than 140 seats", most likely a B737 Classic or Next-Generation narrow-body. The airline's fleet currently consists of three Embraer E190 aircraft and two Fokker 100 jets. The carrier has noted it plans to expand its destination network next year and recently scheduled three new routes out of Tivat. It also intends on adding frequencies on existing services during the summer of 2018 and increasing passenger numbers to 620.000 per year, up from an estimated 550.000 travellers in 2017.