Air Montenegro gets AOC, readies for launch

Montenegro’s new national carrier, Air Montenegro, has been granted an Air Operator’s Certificate, enabling it to launch commercial operations in the near future. The new airline, which has a fleet of two Embraer E195 jets, is readying for its first flights from Podgorica and Tivat to Belgrade. As previously reported, its first E195, registered 4O-AOA, has arrived in Bratislava for painting, although the carrier’s livery and logo are being kept under wraps for now. Its second jet of the same type, registered 4O-AOB, is undergoing maintenance in Podgorica in order for it to be fit for service in the first half of June.

Air Montenegro is expected to schedule its flights to Belgrade and begin ticket sales shortly. The carrier is aiming to launch in late May or the first week of June. The Montenegrin government, which is the sole shareholder in the new flag carrier, is currently in talks to purchase a third E195 for the new company, registered 4O-AOC, formerly operated by Montenegro Airlines. The carrier’s CEO, Predrag Todorović, said the fleet would further grow in the future. “We will have three, four and even six aircraft. It is completely unprofitable, and the fixed costs are too high, to have just two jets. How quickly the fleet will develop depends on market conditions. The company will be developed in phases”, Mr Todorović said.

Commenting on its AOC, the CEO noted, “By obtaining the AOC, the company has demonstrated that it meets all the requirements in terms of equipment, professional qualifications of its employees, organisational structure, approved operating manuals, as well as numerous other conditions, which ensure the safe and secure performance of air operations”. He added, “Together with our team, we have worked day and night to achieve this result. We are continuing to diligently work towards a common goal, which is for the national airline to be operational as soon as possible and be ready to respond to the needs of the upcoming tourist season”.