Morava Airport outlines growth plans

Serbia's newest commercial airport, Morava, is in talks with several carriers over the launch of scheduled flights starting this winter and is drafting plans for the construction of a second runway. Shortly after its formal opening on June 28, the airport was issued with an operating license by the Serbian Civil Aviation Directorate and has signed contracts for the lease of commercial space, including a duty free shop, which will be managed by Switzerland's Dufry, as well as rent-a-car agencies. Since opening its doors, the airport has handled private taxi flights, while over thirty newly employed staff members continue to undergo training.

The General Manager of operator Airports of Serbia, Mihajlo Zdravković, said, "We have already held talks with several airlines and I must say there is interest. This is displayed by the fact that we have leased out commercial space at the airport. Realistically speaking, we can expect the first commercial flights from Morava Airport to be inaugurated at the start of the winter season in late October. These will be regional services operated by smaller aircraft. We would also be satisfied if they were to start next summer, keeping in mind that the airport has a catchment area of some one million people, as well as the region's business potential and growing tourism".

Mr Zdravković believes the airport could handle a projected 20.000 passengers as outlined earlier this year by Serbia's Minister for Construction, Transport and Infrastructure, Zorana Mihajlović. "It is not unrealistic for the airport to process 20.000 travellers this year if flights start this winter. Certain airlines have promised they would launch flights, however, until a commercial agreement is signed we cannot say with certainty whether they will materialise", Mr Zdravković said. He added, "Today, any aircraft with the capacity to seat between sixty and eighty passengers can land here. Based on the airline's decision, we are also capable of handling larger Boeing 737-800 and Airbus A319 and A320 jets. We already have the necessary equipment to cater for all these aircraft types, including fire emergency service certification".

Commenting on the future development of Morava Airport, Ms Mihajlović noted that work on compiling and securing technical documentation for the construction of a second runway will begin this year, in order for work to commence in 2020. "We will provide funds for this project in next year's budget", Ms Mihajlović said. She added, "In addition to the introduction of scheduled commercial flights, it is important for Morava Airport to become a centre for cargo operations, which will be aided by the construction of the Morava Corridor". The planned corridor is a 110 kilometre highway valued at 800 million euros that is expected to be built by the US-Turkish consortium Bechtel-ENKA and will pass near the airport. Its construction is scheduled to begin next year.

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