FlyBosnia to decide on Tuzla, Mostar operations


The Sarajevo-based FlyBosnia has said it will decide by the end of the year on launching scheduled flights from Tuzla and Mostar to European destinations. The carrier previously noted it was considering moving its operations to the two cities, away from Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital. “We expect that within the next thirty days we could decide on which cities would be linked with Tuzla and Mostar. We are still waiting for the canton, federal and state ministries for tourism to get involved and actively promote Bosnia and Herzegovina’s tourist potential. This includes the City of Sarajevo, so we can bring in more tourists and strengthen Bosnia and Herzegovina’s economy”, the airline’s spokesperson, Aida Cvijetić, told the “Klix” portal.

It is unclear whether the new flights from Tuzla and Mostar would result in the carrier discontinuing its services from Sarajevo. Last month, Ms Cvijetić said, “Our company and staff are considering the possibility of shifting our operations to Tuzla and Mostar. In such a case, we would fly to Rome from Mostar, while London and other EU destinations would be maintained from Tuzla, from which we would provide bus transfers to Sarajevo". Wizz Air, which boasts a base in Tuzla, previously flew from the city to London Luton but discontinued the flights due to insufficient demand. It is believed FlyBosnia has accumulated over half a million euros worth of debt towards Sarajevo Airport.

FlyBosnia, which currently boasts a one-member fleet, has said it will take delivery of two leased Airbus A319 jets in April 2020, which would enable it to introduce new services to Barcelona, Moscow and Milan. The airline also plans on launching flights to Paris during the first quarter of 2020. The company will run a series of charters in the coming period from Mostar to Italy and Ireland. Since launching scheduled flights in June, FlyBosnia has handled over 40.000 passengers. "FlyBosnia is a young carrier from Bosnia and Herzegovina, which took up the risk to develop airline traffic both in the country and Sarajevo as our home base. We are well aware that we have no concessions, grants nor any other type of subsidies from either the canton, federal or state governments. This is in contrast to other regional airlines where the state invests into their carriers in order to cover their losses as they are of national importance", the company previously said.




Comments

  1. Anonymous09:02

    With their fares, I don't see any flights working out of Tuzla and Mostar.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:07

      What did you expect from an airline that chose Europe's most expensive city that requires visas for Bosnians as their first European destination.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous13:01

      They are in essence an Arab shuttle service. Nothing in general to do with Bosnian people.

      Delete
  2. Anonymous09:03

    If they move to TZL and OMO that will be the official end for them.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous09:04

    Eventually Saudi owners will realize what an expensive toy they have and will go back to leasing capacity from Nesma Airlines or someone like that for flights from Saudi Arabia to Sarajevo during the summer.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:11

      It is gonna work. Flaying Christian pilgrims by Saudi owned company. Cunning plan.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous09:14

      I really doubt the pilgrims will know the airline's ownership structure.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous09:14

      And even if they did, why would it matter?

      Delete
    4. Anonymous09:21

      FlyBosnia is already flying charters from OMO and none of the passengers seem to care who owns the airline.

      Delete
  4. Anonymous09:04

    MO and TZL will let them fly for free there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:05

      *OMO

      Delete
    2. Anonymous09:08

      If they already have over 500,000+ debt to SJJ I would be very careful to work with them.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous09:59

      Well at least now we can conclude that Wizz Air pays for nothing at Tuzla airport.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous14:27

      no airline is paying real money in TZL, OMO, BNX; (even those who "pay" nominal fees)

      and FlyBosnia got public money here as well (officially some marketing cooperation); I can see that they are not happy because they did not get their fees waived, but it appears that they still think that they will not have to pay in the end.

      Delete
  5. Anonymous09:05

    Watch out Wizz :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:10

      They don't have to watch out but they certainly won't be happy, especially at the time they are renegotiating their agreement with Tuzla.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous09:19

      Why would they be unhappy that Fly Bosnia will fly a route they flew and lost money on. Plus something tells me Wizz Air's operative costs are lower.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous09:22

      If Wizz Air couldn't make Tuzla-Luton work, FlyBosnia as sure as hell won't.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous09:24

      Exactly!

      Delete
    5. Anonymous09:29

      Don't understand what makes them think it will work.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous09:38

      Smaller planes are needed to make some of these European routes work.

      Delete
    7. Anonymous12:03

      I agree. Curent (or future) fleet is not suitable for these types of European destinations from Sarajevo/Mostar/Tuzla unless you are an ULCC like Wizz Air.

      Delete
    8. Anonymous14:30

      current/future fleet is 100% a319; how could any LCC be successful?

      Delete
  6. Anonymous09:06

    What a ludicrous plan.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous09:06

    So they will have one plane based in Tuzla, one in Mostar and one potentially in Sarajevo. Wow.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:07

      How odd. No strategy whatsoever.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous09:15

      How costly it will be to have base in Tuzla and in Mostar? So two bases, while all staff is based in Sarajevo.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous09:16

      It is probably still less expensive than flying to Sarajevo and paying the fees.

      Delete
  8. Anonymous09:09

    Let's see if they will be around next summer to open all these new routes.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Anonymous09:09

    Sarajevo/Mostar/Tuzla - Barcelona makes little sense to me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:10

      Maybe they are hoping to get Spanish pilgrims to Medjugorje.

      Delete
  10. Anonymous09:11

    Crazy.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Anonymous09:12

    50,000 pax isn't that much considering they had 2 planes and operated charters as well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:13

      It's not 50,000 it's 40,000.
      "FlyBosnia has handled over 40.000 passengers."

      Delete
    2. Anonymous09:19

      Yes meant to write 40,000. Sorry.

      Delete
  12. Anonymous09:15

    Potential 3 bases with 3 aircraft. Now that's a first.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Anonymous09:16

    Rome might actually work from Mostar because of pilgrims.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Anonymous09:18

    Tickets aren't that expensive as people claim. For next week, without luggage you can buy a return fare Sarajevo-Rome for 118 euros.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:20

      They are an LCC (no service whatsoever on board, not even to buy anything) so price is still high.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous09:20

      And they probably have one of the worst seat pitches in the industry. Very tight.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous09:21

      Ouch.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous09:26

      Meanwhile Sarajevo - London (Luton) is 200 euros return with no luggage. Remember they also have no frequent flyer program or anything of the sort.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous18:47

      200, euros return for a direct flight is a bargain.

      Delete
  15. Anonymous09:22

    wtf?? This is the weirdest thing I have ever seen.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Anonymous09:24

    Is that bare structure on the photo the expanded part of Sarajevo Airport?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous10:25

      Good to see work progressing.

      Delete
  17. Anonymous09:25

    Their redesigned website looks relatively nice.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:28

      I don't find it great. It lacking a lot of information. Nothing about on board service or luggage policy. Their "About us" section is empty and they only have a webpage in English!

      Delete
    2. Anonymous09:30

      Yes they forgot to make a website in Bosnian. And this page redesign isn't that new so no excuses.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous09:31

      It shows that the local population aren't their targeted customers.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous09:33

      Who then is their target customers if they fly SJJ-LTN or SJJ-FCO with no connections to anywhere else???

      Delete
    5. Anonymous09:33

      And also, if their target customers are not Bosnians I wonder who they will transport from Tuzla.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous21:30

      Tuzlacke Hipstere.

      Delete
  18. No respect for this airline anymore...treating their staff in the cruelest way ever.
    I wish SJJ and BiH all the best but it's insane how it's allowing them to go that far.
    This is NOT Saudi and they must abide to the Bosnian law!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Anonymous09:29

    Sarajevo is already a limited market and now they will further limit themselves in Tuzla and Mostar.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Anonymous09:30

    I had high hopes for this airline.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:34

      It's a pity because they have the planes and they could actually create a small but profitable network from SJJ. If they just had the knowledge it could have worked out.

      Delete
  21. Anonymous09:34

    FlyBosnia isn't dead yet and they have backers with deep pockets. Let's wait and see what happens.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:35

      Hope dies last.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous11:58

      They burned way too much money. There is a limit to everything.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous13:45

      Same with exYu airline companies.

      Delete
  22. Anonymous09:37

    I think the A319s are just too large for the market. Yes they might be full for Hajj but that's about it. For European routes they need a plane up to 100 seats. a CRJ or ERJ.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Anonymous09:39

    SJJ should give them some sort of incentive or stimulus. They certainly help Sarajevo Airport's passenger numbers grow this year.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:44

      Well they certainly gave them an incentive since Fly Bosnia has not been paying for anything even though it should have and it's obviously being tolerated.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous09:50

      I think Sarajevo Airport has an incentive program for new routes and basing aircraft. I'm sure they used it.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous10:21

      SJJ will be just fine without them.

      Delete
  24. Anonymous09:39

    TZL - VIE - TZL makes sense!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:43

      Wizz Air tried that route and didn't work.

      Delete
  25. Anonymous09:54

    Is there no airline in BiH that can work out?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:58

      It can. You just need competent people to be put in charge.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous09:59

      Icar Air has been in existence for almost 20 yrs now.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous10:02

      Because the market is small and starting an airline is expensive.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous10:13

      @ 9.59
      Icar Air does fly but it is cargo airline which flies for DHL in Sarajevo.

      Delete
  26. Anonymous10:00

    Didn't expect they would last the year. I think they will eventually have to return the aircraft they leased and that will be all. Hope I'm wrong.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Anonymous10:03

    Not a signle ex-Yu start up has been successful. I can't remember a single one.
    - Dalmatian
    - Air Croatia
    - BWA
    - Centavia
    - Air Maxi
    - Sea Air
    - Libertas Air
    - AWEX

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous10:09

      - VLM Slovenia.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10:11

      Omg Sea Air from Osijek hahaha. Completely forgot about them.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous10:11

      - Limitless Airlines

      Delete
    4. Anonymous10:19

      I would really like to see an airline from ex-Yu operating more beautiful Boeing jets. Getting sick of the busses.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous10:22

      Shame

      Delete
    6. Anonymous10:23

      Most of those actually flew.

      Delete
    7. Anonymous10:49

      AirSerbia flies its Aviolet B737s

      Delete
    8. Anonymous14:10

      MAT Airlines, Air Dubrovnik, Bosnian Wand, Air Srpska, Master Airways

      Delete
    9. Anonymous16:23

      The former Jat was also in terrible shape.

      Delete
    10. Anonymous18:49

      No thanks, Boeing 737 max',s are death traps and the 737' neos are cracking up.

      Delete
  28. Anonymous10:13

    Sarajevo deserves a normal airline which can link it to main points in Europe.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous10:22

      Someone needs to shake things up at Sarajevo. End the star alliance dominance, bring affordable prices, and flights to key destinations in the west.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous08:06

      You are now German turf, we can not help you, do not start politics again.

      Delete
  29. Anonymous10:19

    Someone surprised?

    ReplyDelete
  30. Anonymous10:24

    Good luck

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous11:02

      They will need it.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous11:50

      It is good if Fly Bosnia venture works. No taxpayer money is involved into it. There is no harm to any of us if Fly Bosnia does not make it.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous18:45

      No taxpayer money? Fly Bosnia owes SJJ a lot of money. If they don't pay it to SJJ, taxpayers will one way or another.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous14:01

      Could you please tell how taxpayers will cover that debt one way or other. Even more, please explain what taxpayers are having with SJJ at all?

      Delete
  31. Anonymous10:38

    Will be interesting to see how this plays out.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Anonymous10:45

    The risk of making it up to break even is too high. Even if you have unlimited founds, it does make no sense. With one or two a/c's your overhead costs are to high. This makes sense only if someone finance it for political reasons, but then the question is why, and for how long?

    ReplyDelete
  33. Anonymous11:38

    Tuzla and Mostar could really benefit.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Anonymous11:50

    6 months, tops until this goes belly up.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Anonymous11:51

    RIP

    ReplyDelete
  36. Anonymous12:02

    The issue is that this airline can only make money during summer with Middle East flights.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Anonymous12:28

    Have no sympathy for them. For the way they treat their employees or non paymenet of fees.

    ReplyDelete
  38. This a money laundering scheme. Nothing more, nothing less.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Anonymous13:32

    Piši kući propalo...

    ReplyDelete
  40. And this time next year, we'll be millionaires :)

    ReplyDelete
  41. Anonymous16:22

    No, it won't work out and moving to Tuzla or Mostar will not solve anything.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Perhaps Trebinje airport is better solution for them...

    :-)

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

EX-YU Aviation News does not tolerate insults, excessive swearing, racist, homophobic or any other chauvinist remarks or provocative posts with the intention of creating further arguments. A full list of comment guidelines can be found here. Thank you for your cooperation.