Slovenian businessman Joc Pečečnik, the founder of Interblock Gaming, which manufactures products for lottery games, plans to set up a new Ljubljana-based airline which would link the Slovenian capital with several European destinations. Mr Pečečnik has placed a bid for what remains of Adria Airways’ estate in cooperation with a foreign partner. “We decided to do this because we would like to establish a successful business and because we would like to be able to fly to European cities again from Ljubljana, and not go to neighbouring airports three or four hours before our flights, which are typically up to an hour long”, Mr Pečečnik said.

The businessman refused to reveal the name of the foreign partner linked to the project. “We believe that with the help of a strong foreign partner, which has experience in aviation, we could successfully establish this airline”, Mr Pečečnik said, adding that the partner in question is an expert in the aviation industry. According to reports, the businessman plans to establish a new Adria with the help of the carrier's former CEO Mark Anžur. Mr Anžur ran the company from late 2012 until its privatisation in March 2016. He later went on to serve as the CEO of the Irish regional carrier Stobart Air for an eight-month period.

Meanwhile, businessman Izet Rastoder, a banana importer and seller, as well as a real estate developer, who has bid for Adria Airways’ Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC), is looking to develop an airline in the private aviation sector. According to reports, Mr Rastoder has established a new carrier - Air Adriatic - and is in the process of acquiring two private jets. On the other hand, the state is still weighing its options on whether to set up a new national carrier with the help of a foreign partner. A final decision on the matter is expected by the end of the month.