Serbia negotiating new long haul flights

The Serbian government has said it is negotiating the introduction of new long haul services from Belgrade to Asia and North America set to launch next year. The Minister for Construction, Transport and Infrastructure, Zorana Mihajlović, noted that talks will soon begin with Hainan Airlines to upgrade its Beijing - Prague - Belgrade operations to nonstop flights. "The service was established three months ago on a trial basis to test interest on the market. Based on the data we have received, the flights are always full and have proved profitable for the airline, so we can now start negotiating the establishment of a nonstop Belgrade - Beijing service. There are also talks concerning several other destinations in China", Ms Mihajlović said. She added, "The aviation sector is one of the fastest growing means of transportation in Serbia and is fully harmonised with European and world standards. This is one of the main reasons we have managed to secure flights to certain destinations, such as New York and Beijing, other countries have been trying to for years but have been unable to so far".

Hainan Airlines previously told EX-YU Aviation News it would either up frequencies or introduce a nonstop service from Beijing to Belgrade next spring if there is sufficient demand. "We will adjust these plans based on market demand. We will evaluate the possibilities whether to increase frequencies or operate nonstop before the summer season", the carrier said in October. Hainan holds fifth freedom rights between Prague and Belgrade, allowing it to sell tickets on the sector. The Mayor of Belgrade, Siniša Mali, noted recently that he would hold talks with Hainan and suggest for the route from the Chinese capital to operate nonstop and then continue on to Sarajevo. Furthermore, Mr Mali said that services from a second Chinese city are expected to be launched "very soon". The Serbian government has also entered into negotiations for the establishment of scheduled cargo-only flights between Hangzhou and Niš.

The Minister for Construction, Transport and Infrastructure further noted that the government is anticipating the introduction of flights to Canada in 2018. "We are talking to and working with Canada as well to try and secure nonstop flights", Ms Mihajlović said. Last month it was reported that Air Serbia is considering launching services to Toronto as its second long haul route. In a statement, the carrier said at the time, "We are working on a complete analysis and we are seriously considering all aspects. A final decision on the potential introduction of a new transcontinental service will be made in the coming period". Transport Canada, which regulates aviation matters in the country, has told EX-YU Aviation News it is "aware that Air Serbia may be interested in serving the Canada - Serbia market". It added, "Canada concluded its first Air Transport Agreement with Serbia in December 2006. No further talks have taken place since that time. The agreement is being applied administratively, meaning the rights set out in the agreement are available to air carriers now, pending its ratification".