Air Serbia content with long haul performance despite pandemic


Air Serbia is satisfied with the performance of its sole long haul service between Belgrade and New York as it marks the route’s fifth anniversary. The airline noted New York has been one of its most profitable destinations in 2020 and 2021. “Despite the pandemic, our transatlantic flight has continued to deliver positive results. We were one of the few airlines that have flown to New York throughout the pandemic. New York in 2020 and 2021 is one of our most profitable routes”, the company’s CEO, Duncan Naysmith, said. The airline is currently operating five weekly rotations between the two cities, the same level as prior to the pandemic.

Air Serbia has been maintaining flights between Belgrade and New York's JFK Airport since mid-June of 2016, carrying over 320.000 passengers between the two cities. Last year was its most challenging yet, with the Big Apple being hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic. Services between the two were suspended from March 19 until June 6, while mandatory quarantine for all foreign arrivals into New York state during the fourth quarter also had an impact. Air Serbia handled 41.320 passengers between the two cities in 2020. The year started off well, with the airline outperforming its 2019 results in both January and February. It suspended flights in March and restored them on June 6. In October the carrier was handling more travellers than it did in 2019.


Data provided by US Bureau of Transportation Statistics

Competition on flights from the region to the United States is on the rise, with both United and Delta introducing operations from New York to Dubrovnik this summer. “In terms of competition to the region, we welcome it. What you have to bear in mind is that we actually have a regional connectivity network. Our consistency is there, and our product proposition is one of the best in class”, Mr Naysmith said. He previously noted, “We are very proud to offer direct flights to New York, whose launch represented a significant milestone at the time of their introduction, confirming the strength of our business strategy and contributing to the development of tourism and business cooperation between the Southeastern Europe and the United States. Many did not believe it, but we have managed, in a relatively short time, to secure our first wide-body aircraft, the necessary permits, and to undertake all steps necessary to start the flights".


Comments

  1. Anonymous09:02

    If the route is profitable and the numbers are good, the logical thing would be to add more flights.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:03

      They don't have the aircraft for that.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous09:23

      6 pw is the most they can have with one plane

      Delete
  2. Anonymous09:04

    So despite everything, they managed profitability on this route five years. Good.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous09:05

    There are rumours a second A330 is coming. Don't know if it is true.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:44

      They should use the current lower leasing rates to get a second A330.

      Delete
  4. Anonymous09:07

    Congratulations

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous09:08

    The point is that after 4 years they made JFK profitable.

    I suppose they do not wish to ruin it now with new wide body destination. Maybe they need their European network to be wider in order to open PEK, YYZ, PVG or ORD.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:14

      Well they said from the start that JFK is a long term investment and that it would take around 5 years to make it profitable. They also said they would start Toronto and Chicago between 3 to 5 years after launching New York.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous11:41

      They could not foresee a global pandemic and border closures.

      Delete
    3. Does it make sense to take LAX into consideration?

      Delete
    4. Anonymous18:31

      Miami made sense.

      LOT launched it before the pandemic.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous18:36

      JU's A330 can make it to LAX as it has the extra fuel tank but I think costs would be too high. In my opinion priorities should be: YYZ, ORD, MIA and then LAX.

      Delete
    6. Thank you for the reply. When I said LAX, I meant something like BEG - NYC - LAX - NYC - BEG.

      Can you elaborate MIA, please?

      Delete
  6. Anonymous09:09

    Good to hear. Those figure are ok considering the circumstances.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous09:10

    With more flights this year and a better situation, numbers should go up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous11:42

      Well of course especially considering since they are able to fly New York in March, April and May unlike last year ;)

      Delete
  8. Anonymous09:11

    JU is profiting from non-EU and non Shcengen passengers being unable to transfer via EU or Schengen countries.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Vlad09:15

      Absolutely, so is TK.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10:40

      Hopefully Air Serbia will be able to retain some of those passengers that travel between US and Europe once US lifts those restrictions for EU/Schengen.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous11:43

      ^ good point. A lot of people from Serbia flying to the US still use Lufthansa (to New York as well). So hopefully the realise the convenience of flying with JU. They have pretty much the same product.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous12:14

      Lufthansa is worse actually since they have one less inch of legroom in economy class and they removed the second meal to JFK so now you get a sandwich.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous13:25

      LH, Swiss and KLM have two inches of legroom more in economy than JU.

      Air France and LOT have three inches more in economy than JU.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous15:12

      Nope, JU 32', LH 31.

      Delete
  9. Anonymous09:12

    Are there any plans what they are going to do with the A330 this winter? If they keep 2 flight p/w outside peak holiday period they can comfortably use the aircraft on some other route.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:18

      I don't understand why the aircraft in off season isn't used on frequent routes by demand?

      Delete
    2. Anonymous09:19

      They have slowly started doing that. They have sent it many times to Moscow and now Podgorica.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous09:40

      There used to be plans for 1 pw BKK as charters from October through March three years ago, but they couldnt see sufficient demand. Maybe it improved in meantime, the number of people who can afford vacation in Thailand are on the rise in Serbia and surrounding countries.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous09:42

      They will probably use it on Dubai flights.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous09:53

      Introduction of second long haul destination will allow them to improve utilization during winter months. What are they waiting for? Second destination was expected long time ago.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous09:54

      in this case you will need more widebody aircraft to serve in the high season.

      Delete
    7. Anonymous09:55

      @9.40
      Bangkok was considered but they said that while the loads would be good, the yields wouldn't justify such a long flight.

      Delete
  10. Anonymous09:12

    What is impressive is that there have been no major delays or cancellations for 5 years now and they have managed to keep these flights with just 1 aircraft. I remember the comments and hysteria when they launched and how flights would be delayed and cancelled.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:13

      True. Let's hope they keep it up.

      Delete
  11. Anonymous09:12

    Thank you for the loads

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:15

      Any idea on what percentage of pax are O&D, and transfer?

      Delete
    2. Anonymous09:17

      I think in summer its around 50/50. In winter more than 50% are transfer for sure. At least that was the experience on all my flights so far.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous13:59

      There was some info recently that about 55% is O&D on this route overall.

      Delete
  12. Anonymous09:13

    The only thing that matters is profitability.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Anonymous09:13

    JU transatlantic product is excellent.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Anonymous09:15

    Good news for Air Serbia. I'm glad this route is improving.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Anonymous09:17

    I hope they expand with some sort of agreement with one of the US airlines, preferably a codeshare.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:23

      Joining an alliance would be most beneficial.

      Delete
  16. Anonymous09:23

    Was there an idea in any point to introduce premium economy to improve offer and income from this route?

    ReplyDelete
  17. Anonymous09:39

    Nice! Good luck Air Serbia

    ReplyDelete
  18. Anonymous09:39

    I wonder if the pandemic didn't happen whether we would have a second widebody now.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Anonymous09:40

    Entrepreneur would look at the numbers and say let's repeat this with another destination. Ne'er-do-well would just shrug his shoulders and say let's just enjoy this.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Anonymous09:41

    Air Serbia started New York service 5 years ago. It didn't add new long haul destination since. Air Serbia New York service established solid reputation for connecting flights in the region. Profitability has now been achieved. No reason not to launch new long haul routes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:57

      You areabsolutely right, but I also appreciate the cautious approach of the JU management.

      Delete
  21. Anonymous09:48

    It's impressive that in October they had more pax than 2019.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JATBEGMEL12:30

      There was around double the flights in october 2020 compared to 2019.

      Delete
  22. Anonymous09:49

    I think the JFK route was introduced too soon but nevertheless, they persisted and it became established and an option for more people in SE Europe who might have otherwise used TK, LH or OS.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Anonymous09:50

    Weren't experts here predicting how they will cancel these flights?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:57

      It started off with predictions it would not launch.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10:00

      I remember all the comments on here how these flights will all be empty, cancelled in less then a year, that with one plane their flights will always be delayed and cancelled and all the other BS.

      Delete
  24. Anonymous09:51

    I wonder what can they do to get more passengers in winter months?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:53

      Improve regional connectivity and frequencies.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous12:46

      The only way to substantially increase winter loads is to improve business environment and attract more investments into the country, plus good ski resorts (that Viceroy hotel for example).

      Delete
    3. JATBEGMEL14:54

      Winter tourism in Serbia is not value for money, its overpriced for what is offered. Infrastructure needs major upgrades as roads are in poor condition, especially around tourist destinations. I wouldn't count on winter tourists from abroad in larger numbers anytime soon.

      Best thing for JFK would be to increase to at least 3 pw in the winter months and improve on the regional connections. JU is way overpriced on regional fares, with people inclined to use busses, cars or combi transport between regional cities, which limits their capabilities in increasing regional frequencies - in turn, less connectivity possibilities.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous21:21

      Kolko košta kombi do NJuJorka?

      Delete
    5. Isto koloko kosta komdi od NJuJorka!
      Specijalno za vas prepametni Anon 21.21
      Have plesent journey.

      Delete
  25. Anonymous09:52

    Good performance, nice to see it has developed well. It s an important flight for the whole region

    ReplyDelete
  26. Anonymous09:56

    Good results. Hope their numbers keep improving.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Anonymous09:56

    Any idea when they might expand their long haul flights?

    ReplyDelete
  28. Anonymous09:57

    Obviously JU much improved its route to JFK.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Anonymous09:58

    Which route provides the biggest feed to New York?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous10:00

      Podgorica and Tirana.

      Delete
  30. Anonymous09:59

    If you JU had PRN flights, they would be able to fill these planes to the US even more.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Anonymous10:01

    I'm glad they stuck to it and that the route stayed part of the network. Good luck JU.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Anonymous10:01

    Very nice that JU is improving it's position with regards to this flight. Only sceptical about 2/3 flights a week during winter and lack of engagement for the aircraft.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Just because Mr Naysmith said this, it doesn't mean that I have to believe 9!why Mr Naysmith don't you publish official numbers that confirms what you said? Other companies do it every 4 months!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous10:03

      Can you provide us with Lufthansa's profitability of its Frankfurt-New York JFK route? Considering they publish it every 4 months as you say.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10:39

      No airline posts reports on the profitability of an individual route. You should know that Bel Cielo.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous10:39

      If they said in the past that the route was not profitable, why would they lie now when they say the route is profitable.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous15:19

      Those passengers numbers were published by US government, DoT. It's free and available for everyone to download. With many other airlines grounded, Air Serbia was obviously able to have healthy loads and yield during 2020. What seems to be the problem understanding that?

      Delete
  34. Anonymous10:03

    Solid results and even more important, trending looks good.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Anonymous10:06

    If they had a partner in JFK then the route could easily be operated 14/week.
    It's such a shame that they can't offer through interline connections to ORD both ways. On the way back you have to spend the night in New York.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Anonymous10:09

    I think for JU the most important thing is that the Serbian market is recovering faster than those around us.

    Departures today:

    BEG 60
    SKG 55
    BUD 49
    SOF 36
    TIA 35
    ZAG 29

    Tomorrow

    BEG 81
    BUD 66
    SKG 64
    SOF 55
    TIA 43
    ZAG 36

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous10:11

      How is the number of flights related to Air Serbia's New York flights or this topic?

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10:14

      How isn't it? JFK relies heavily on local demand and the number of flights per day is an indication of how strong a certain market is. There is a reason why JU is successful to JFK from BEG while LO did not bring back their JFK flights from BUD. It's very simply if you think about it for a moment.

      Now that Serbs can travel to Austria and The Netherlands from today I expect even more demand which means more revenue for JU! With more revenue they can afford to introduce a second A330!

      Delete
    3. Anonymous10:37

      Ok but in 2019 they had all that revenue but didn't get a second A330.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous10:38

      Because JFK was still maturing and improving. Covid was a gift for them in terms of JFK.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous10:43

      If BEG keeps on expanding and booming like this, JU should be careful as it risks someone else like UA or AC launching Belgrade from either Chicago or Toronto. As they say: you snooze, you lose.
      JU should be mindful of that.

      Delete
    6. What was average number of Departures/Arrivals before pandemic at BEG?

      What was maximum number (and approx. when it happened) of Departures/Arrivals at BEG?

      Delete
    7. Anonymous18:37

      I can't remember but I think on some days in 2019 we came close to 100 a day. Maybe once or twice we reached it... like 102. Mind you charter traffic already surpassed pre covid.

      Delete
    8. Thanks. I just wanted to have some numbers in my head to compare.

      Delete
  37. Anonymous10:14

    Pretpostavjam da bi drugi A330 vec bio u BEG ali nisu sigurni kakva ce biti epidemioloska situacija na jesen.Sta da rade sa tim avionom ako ponvo krenu zakljucavanja?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous10:38

      +1

      Delete
    2. Anonymous15:15

      Radili bi isto sto i sa prvim A330 - leteli bi i dalje.

      Delete
  38. Anonymous10:38

    Could profitability been achieved faster if the airline used a newer generation aircraft with lower operational costs. The B787 or the A350-900?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous10:44

      I think the cost of introducing B787 would be too large as I don't think Jat Tehnika can service it. Maybe they could get a good deal on the A330neo since its not selling that well.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous11:12

      if they opt for new generation, I think that either 338 or 339 will be the choice. 359 is just too big at the moment

      Delete
    3. Anonymous11:41

      I don't think A330neo would be a good idea precisely because it's not selling. B787-8 has two class seating capacity of 242 seats. That's actually less than Air Serbia's A330-200.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous12:17

      Yes but B787 is not a reliable plane, look at the problems JAL, LOT, Norwegian... had with it. better then to go for A350.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous12:22

      ...or A330neo.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous12:00

      RR power unit is the main problem, at A330, A359, A35K as B787

      Delete
  39. Anonymous11:22

    According to Mr. Naysmith and financial reports Air Serbia is profitable every year. We know that is not. So probably is the same thing with this route.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous11:24

      Whatever makes you happy.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous15:14

      Anon 11:22 You also think Earth is flat but they don't want to admit, right?

      Delete
  40. Anonymous11:43

    Nice. Although I must admit I dislike the fact the new A330 being used no longer has wifi.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous12:22

      Is that true?

      Delete
    2. Anonymous14:11

      Yes, all the last aircrafts which came to ASL have no wifi antenna: ARB, APK, APL and APM.
      What happened with naming the aircrafts by popular persons???

      Delete
    3. JATBEGMEL15:01

      Their way of naming aircraft was stupid from the start and was inspiration for jokes.

      A better idea would be:

      - A330: famous historical people (Nikola Tesla, Milutin Milankovic, Tadija Sondermajer)
      - A319/A320: cities of Serbia (Belgrade, Nis, Novi Sad)
      - ATR: rivers and national parks (Danube, Sava, Djerdap)

      At least their entire fleet will be named, and not just 4 aircraft.

      Delete
  41. Anonymous15:27

    When they launch ORD & YYZ, should they do both cities at the same time or first one and then the other?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous08:37

      It would be best to first introduce the one that they have found to be more statistically profitable via connecting flights and do the same thing they're doing with JFK;wait for the route to mature and come out as profitable, then introduce the other destination.

      Delete
  42. Anonymous17:36

    What is the situation with airtransport agreements with the USA, China and othe potential countries where they would fly to? I know with Canada new agreement has been signt 2 years ago...
    For editor, it would be interesting to give us some insight in this legal framework for ex-yu each market. I would like to read it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous17:43

      https://www.exyuaviation.com/2015/03/serbia-and-us-to-sign-air-service.html

      Delete
  43. Anonymous19:03

    JU is able to maintain strong pricing power on BEG-NYC route vs. big competitors, at least this summer. August round trip was nearly 2X the cheapest options from Swiss, Austrian etc. Nonstop and not particularly having to deal with transit during COVID seem to be strong drivers at the moment.

    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.