Air Serbia to take delivery of first ATR72-600


Air Serbia is set to take delivery of the first of several ATR72-600 aircraft. The first of the turboprops is currently undergoing test flights in Toulouse prior to delivery and already features the Air Serbia livery (pictured). The aircraft is not entirely new and was manufactured in 2015. It has flown for Malaysian carrier Firefly but was stored between 2016 and 2019. It was then operated by the Slovenian registered Amelia Aviation on domestic routes within France until December of last year. Several other ATRs, which will be taken up by the Serbian carrier, are already in Toulouse being prepared for the airline. Five frames in total are believed to be destined for Air Serbia, although the airline itself has not commented on their imminent delivery. As previously reported by EX-YU Aviation News, crew members have already started training for the type in December.

The ATR 72-600 features several improvements compared to its predecessors, the -500 and -200 variants operated by Air Serbia. It is powered by the new PW127M engines, which enable a 5% increase in takeoff power via a "boost function" used when conditions require it. The flight deck also features five wide LCD screens. A multi-purpose computer aims at increasing flight safety and operational capabilities, and new Thales-made avionics provide Required Navigation Performance capabilities. It also features lighter seats and larger overhead baggage bins. In December 2015, the European Aviation Safety Agency approved a new high-density seating layout, raising the maximum capacity from 74 to 78 seats. During the 2021 Dubai Airshow last November, ATR debuted the new ATR72-600 engine which is powered by new PW127XT powerplants giving 20% lower maintenance costs and 3% more fuel efficiency compared to the current PW127M powerplant.

Air Serbia’s regional fleet currently consists of five turboprops, including three ATR72-200s, all of which are 31 years old, and two ATR72-500s, which are 23 and 24 years old respectively. All are being utilised by the carrier and are active within the fleet. The airline returned one of the -500 versions to its owner last year, after deciding not to renew its lease. It was the youngest among the ATRs at fifteen years. Late last year, the Serbian Minister for Finance, Siniša Mali, said the country’s national airline would retire older and noisier aircraft, as well as those producing greater gas emissions.

Image courtesy of T. Laurent



Comments

  1. Anonymous11:49

    Nice!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous14:16

      I agree. I hope they start BEG-MBX when all these ATRs are delivered.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous14:51

      You really think MBX will work?

      Delete
    3. Anonymous14:54

      If LJU works fine with 17 weekly flights (before corona) i don't see a problem for 3-4 weekly BEG-MBX.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous15:12

      MBX could work but Graz would make more sense i guess.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous16:58

      MBX would be way cheaper and JU is more recognized in Slovenia as in Austria.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous17:26

      I agree, but let's first get to double saily in LJU and than think about mbx, maybe?

      Delete
    7. Anonymous19:28

      i bet Ljubljana will be double daily from march on ...

      Delete
    8. Anonymous19:53

      JAT was flying BEG-MBX during Yugoslav times, but now...I am not so sure.

      There are many other destinations in Romania or Ukraine which could bring
      to JU much better results with ATR72-600 than MBX.

      Delete
    9. Anonymous07:20

      LJU performed quite ok in recent months so I wouldn't be surprised if it goes to 14 from at least April. That's when everyone seems to be boosting BEG.

      Delete
  2. Anonymous11:56

    Will they add these planes in addition to the ones they have or completely replace them?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous12:27

      All current-200 and - 500 series are set to leave the fleet as - 600 models arrive. That is the plan, we'll see how it turns out in the end 😉

      Delete
    2. Anonymous12:48

      The first three ATR'S 72-200 must be replaced. As long as the time goes by they're becoming more uneconomic.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous14:20

      The -200 are going to Aviolet ;-)

      Delete
    4. Anonymous14:46

      More to Aeroput...

      Delete
    5. Anonymous19:23

      I hope they don't retire the older atrs right away but use them to expand and boost flights from INI and KVO. New ones can be used on flights from BEG

      Delete
    6. Anonymous20:48

      You are kidding me right? The reason they are getting new ones is because these 31 yr old ones are becoming extremely difficult and expensive to maintain. The last thing they need is a grounded atr in Kraljevo or Niš so that another one has to be flown in to rescue it. That would be very bad

      Delete
    7. Anonymous07:21

      They can use the -500 for those additional flights from the countryside.

      Delete
  3. Anonymous11:57

    Finally those dinosaurs are going to be replaced. Great news!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous11:57

    Best solution they could make for the regional fleet in my opinion.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous11:58

    Looks great. I hope the cabins will have the slim seats they use on the Airbus fleet.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous13:01

      Of course they will

      Delete
  6. Anonymous11:58

    This will be a much more comfortable ride on regional routes.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous12:09

    Buying or leasing?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Buying, of course, Cash on table from all those millions earned during Covid!! No questions asked. By the way, are you for real??

      Delete
    2. Anonymous13:16

      Apparently 3 have been bought.

      Delete
  8. Flew with same plane with tarom. No more reclining seats. Cheap but ok for short routes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous12:30

      So you're saying ok for under 1.5hr trips and not so much for longer or those late night turns?

      Delete
    2. Anonymous14:16

      Well, they are used for short routes :)

      Delete
  9. Anonymous12:33

    hope they use them on BG-LJU! :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anonymous12:47

    This was expected considering the new routes they just started.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Anonymous12:48

    Makes sense sticking with the ATR.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous13:31

      It's probably the best solution at the moment but a short-term solution in my opinion.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous13:43

      What do you suggest would be a long-term solution?

      Delete
    3. Anonymous14:51

      To keep the core of the regional fleet as is with ATR
      To add 10-12 mid size jets (220, SSJ or Embraer) to completely replace A319
      To add 2-3 A320

      Delete
  12. Anonymous12:49

    More ATRs are needed to boost regional routes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous13:00

      There is no need to boost regional routes during pandemic.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous13:09

      Pandemic will end at one point. Many believe we are seeing its final surge

      Delete
    3. Anonymous08:50

      I hope they will involve two flights daily, at least 3 day per week for BNX. In tis case this is valuable solution for daily business trip.

      Delete
  13. Anonymous12:50

    Bravo Air Serbia

    ReplyDelete
  14. Anonymous12:50

    Renewing fleet during pandemic should be commended.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Anonymous13:00

    Finally! I can't believe it

    ReplyDelete
  16. Anonymous13:06

    This is their first major fleet renewal since 2013 when they got the A319s/A320s

    ReplyDelete
  17. Anonymous13:10

    Any idea what the registrations will be?

    ReplyDelete
  18. Anonymous13:13

    Long overdue!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Anonymous13:15

    Do only pilots have to do retdaining for it or cabin crew too?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous13:17

      Only pilots.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous13:27

      Btw do you know where they are doing the training? Vršac? Toulouse? Or somewhere else?

      Delete
    3. Anonymous15:15

      Vienna

      Delete
  20. Anonymous13:17

    Nice scoop. I can only imagine how it would be presented on a certain other website with screaming headline EXCLUSIVE + PHOTO 😂😂

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Exclusive, BREAKIG,... we will se after midnight. I think, he will say it is hightime but again it is not enough and not good in long term.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous21:37

      Of course haha

      Delete
    3. Anonymous21:59

      you guys talkin about our old friend from zagreb?

      Delete
    4. Anonymous07:22

      haha sorry to disappoint but he didn't do anything of the sort, he probably couldn't handle the good news. :D

      Delete
  21. Anonymous13:18

    I don't understand why they are keeping this so hush hush? Why not officially announce you are renewing your fleet?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous13:21

      It's Air Serbia. They love being secretive for no apparent reason.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous13:25

      And threatening own staff not to leak anything.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous13:54

      Transparency is not their forte.

      Delete
  22. Anonymous13:20

    It must be in good shape if it didn't fly for 3 of the 7 years of its life. Plus I can imagine it was not used much during pandemic times.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous13:56

      Why was it stored for so long?

      Delete
  23. Anonymous13:29

    Hope they take better care of them than the current ATRs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous13:55

      Considering their age, they are in pretty good condition.

      Delete
  24. Anonymous13:54

    So we can expect it in Belgrade in February?

    ReplyDelete
  25. Anonymous14:03

    Long overdue, but ultimatley great news! Where is JU Mareting team to hype the public about this? This is a step in the good direction for the natiional carrier! :)

    p.s. How much more sustainable / eco-friendly are these newer models? No specs / KPI from this area have been reported within the article.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Anonymous14:48

    Speaking of liveries, it seems that Delta stole Air Serbia's idea and was inspired by it:

    https://airwaysmag.com/airlines/delta-reveals-team-usa-livery/

    Airlines begin to lack creativity these days.....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous14:58

      You must be joking ...Delta stole something from Air Serbia; probably they even didn't hear about Air Serbia not that they stole something from it!... What similarity do you see in between JU and DL liveries??

      Delete
    2. Anonymous15:14

      Ugly livery, although I don't see similarities with JU?

      Delete
    3. This must be the same person who said Delta stole Serbian flag for one of their previous logos :)

      Delete
    4. Anonymous17:38

      Well, who was first? Air Serbia or Delta? Air Serbia introduced its livery at the beginning of 2021 and Delta did it just now. It is a clear indication of where they go inspired from.
      The same as SN Brussels livery which was inspired by the Croatian Airlines livery and so on.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous18:22

      Ex-yu keeps winning!

      Delete
  27. Anonymous14:53

    Does anyone now if these ATR's have improved landing capabilities in foggy weather i.e. can they use CAT IIIB?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous15:18

      No chance for cat3B, best hope is Cat 2 (100' cieling).
      Cat 3A requires HUD.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous19:03

      ATR is Cat II only. Q400 can do Cat IIIa with HUD.

      Delete
  28. Sega15:12

    Is Air Serbia going to lease again 'new' ATRs , or to buy them this time?

    ReplyDelete
  29. Anonymous15:23

    Long time coming but it's finally here. Once old ATRs are completely replaced, every one ATR in the fleet will have better cabin and improved passenger experience, new glass cockpit, ADS-B, much younger fleet average etc.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Anonymous16:02

    Another good side of the ATR72 is that they are quieter than the older versions.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Anonymous16:03

    Is cargo on the Atr72-600 also in the front?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous16:54

      Yes, between cockpit and cabin.

      Delete
  32. i hope that they will include more flights to SJJ and finaly reduce incredibly expensive prices. from SJJ TO BEG and back.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous18:10

      Tickets to SJJ are so expensive because of the taxes at the airport... Unfortunately

      Delete
    2. Not anymore since wizz opened base they abolish expensive taxes everything changed its up to airserbia now

      Delete
  33. Anonymous16:53

    I wonder if Air Serbia will go for this high density option

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous16:56

      No chance. The high density version is achieved by getting rid of much of the cargo hold. So this option is only viable for LCCs.

      Delete
  34. Anonymous17:08

    Is there a possibility to introduce a business class in this type of aircraft? JU could attract some extra passengers on regional routes ...

    ReplyDelete
  35. Anonymous17:16

    They already started and stopped all the training. Shame

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous17:44

      why they stopped though :o ??

      Delete
    2. Anonymous17:46

      People like to make things up.

      Delete
  36. Anonymous17:33

    Does anyone know the difference between -600 and older models in terms of cabin noise?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous17:47

      It is quieter than the two other versions.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous19:21

      More seats. ATR72-600 has 78 seats.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous19:22

      Bigger overhead compartment.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous20:36

      @19.21 It has 78 seats only if it is a high density version which it won't be because only LCCs use that. Air New Zealand's ATR72-600s have 68 seats like the ATR72-500.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous08:29

      Which LCC is using ATR's?

      Delete
    6. Anonymous09:03

      Cebgo

      Delete
  37. Anonymous17:50

    When these enter the fleet, Air Serbia's avarage fleet age will be younger than OU's

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous18:23

      yippee !!!

      Delete
    2. Anonymous19:20

      JU is in every aspect better company than OU and now it is being confirmed also in fleet average age.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous21:09

      hurray !!!

      Delete
    4. Anonymous08:30

      Of course it is hurray. Air Serbia did a great job to become respectable airline.

      Delete
  38. Anonymous19:18

    Fantastic news. The first really strategic move of Air Serbia so far. Hoe we will see more regional routes and increasing in frequency on existing ones.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous19:25

      It made sense to give priority for the 733 replacement, they were the backbone of their fleet. ATR had to wait a little bit. Kondic's fleet renewal plan is coming to an end, took a while but we got here in the end.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous20:17

      Exactly, this was all planned and talked about at least 6-7 years ago. Boeings are gone, old business class on A330 is gone and now old ATRs are going away. With new Belgrade airport areas being finalized, next step in improving transfer passenger experience is for oldest A gates to be closed for renovation.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous21:08

      Any idea when A gates will be renovated?
      Actually not renovated, but completely rebuilt.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous07:24

      C extension should be opened in April and I expected them to close some older A gates at that time. I believe C1 and C2 could be ready by summer when demand picks up. Don't forget that the C extension will have additional bus gates so many LCCs starting with Wizz Air can migrate to the remote stands.

      Would be great to know if the new remote stands will be also opened in April. It would make a lot of sense.

      Delete
  39. Anonymous12:33

    5 atrs to join by 28.2 with AirSerbia returning all -200s and one - 500.which will leave them with 6 atrs

    ReplyDelete
  40. Only one -500 left in the fleet YU-ALU

    ReplyDelete
  41. George23:30

    I think that for regional flights, Embarer 195 is perfect! Great plane, fast, comfortable, looks good...

    ReplyDelete

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