The Serbian Prime Minister, Ana Brnabić, has said that Etihad Airways will continue to be Air Serbia's strategic partner and minority shareholder for the foreseeable future. Speaking in parliament during question time, Ms Brnabić responded to inquiries from lawmakers whether the Emirati national carrier is seeking an exit strategy from its Serbian investment. The Prime Minister noted, "Air Serbia is always a topic that we in government like to discuss. Despite everything you can read about Air Serbia and the disinformation that is being spread in the media, the airline's operational results all point to growth". She added, "Etihad is our strategic partner. It is a devoted partner which has not indicated in the slightest that it plans to divest from Serbia and we are very happy about this".

Commenting on Air Serbia's operations, the Prime Minister said, "I cannot outline Etihad's plans but I can say that we are doing our utmost to make Air Serbia even stronger. Compared to 2013, Air Serbia has increased its passenger numbers by 90%, while its fleet size has grown by 23%. The airline's operations are going according to plan, but it faces strong competition on the market. Precisely because it finds itself in a competitive environment and has a professional management, sometimes it has to make some unpopular decisions, because it is not a company led by politicians. So, Air Serbia is very much in good health".

Air Serbia is undertaking a wide-ranging restructuring in an attempt to boost its key performance indicators, as it tries to keep a lid on costs, growing competition, an over-inflated workforce and the winding down of state subsidies. The carrier transitioned into a hybrid full fare - low cost airline earlier this month. The development came after Etihad Airways ordered its Serbian partner to restructure and mirrors similar policies being implemented at both the Emirati carrier and another one of its equity investments - Air Seychelles. Although there have been suggestions Etihad will divest from the Serbian carrier, the Abu Dhabi-based airline is expected to stay put at least until January 1, 2019 when its five-year investment and management agreement expires. Serbia's President, Aleksandar Vučić, recently held talks with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and its de-facto ruler, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, during which the two reviewed the expansion and diversification of the partnership, as well as its continuation. A final decision on the partnership will likely rest on the success of the restructuring process taking place.