The European Commission has said it has no means to prevent Air Serbia from maintaining flights to Russia as the carrier plans to add another seven weekly rotations to Moscow from next week. The Serbian airline, along with Belarus’ Belavia are the only European companies still flying to the country amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, although the latter is sanctioned by the European Union and Serbia itself. “In line with our measures, it is impossible for a Russian carrier to sell tickets from Moscow to Belgrade, or onwards from Belgrade to Brussels. However, if Serbia does not align its policy with the EU, then Air Serbia can sell those tickets, because we haven’t made these measures exterritorial”, the European Commission said. It added that, at this point, it would be inappropriate to extend these measures outside of its jurisdiction.
Air Serbia has increased capacity on its Moscow service to meet increased demand, with tickets selling out quickly. Yesterday, return economy class fares on select dates next week were selling at over 1.000 euros. The airline has been deploying its 257-seat Airbus A330-200 aircraft on the route. It will add frequencies from its usual eight weekly to fifteen weekly rotations next week, replacing Aerflot's flights. This has resulted in fares stabilising. The carrier is operating the flights in line with issued Notices to Airmen, by avoiding Ukrainian and Belarusian airspace. Instead, it maintains its flights via Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Lithuania and Latvia, before entering Russian airspace. Other European carriers are banned from entering Russian airspace after almost all European countries forbid Russian registered and operated aircraft.
The European Union has criticised Serbia, as a candidate state, for not complying with the block’s foreign policy measures and it is believed considerable pressure is being put for the flights to be discontinued. However, for now, the airline’s services are continuing to operate as scheduled. At the same time, Turkey, a NATO member state, continues to welcome Russian carriers at its airports, while Turkish Airlines maintains operations to Russia.
Nice to see frequencies doubled
ReplyDelete+1
Deleteyeah
DeleteAt least someone benefits from this insane crisis in Europe.
DeleteFlyBosnia could be well afloat, if they would not brake to start Moscow in the beginning. Such plans were in the office
DeleteI'm just about to board a flight at Belgrade Airport. Lot of people coming and going from Russia (not just Russians) trying to get home. The knock on effect is that it increased the load factors for All. airlines leaving Belgrade. My LH flight is sold out.
ReplyDeleteNot surprised. I think this suits the EU. They still need some sort of link provided to Russia.
DeleteWhen EU citizens rescue is done, EU will ban JU to fly to EU.
DeleteTypicall EU
Maybe not.
DeleteThey could have waited all EU citizens to leave Russia and then to stop air traffic. However, they did not do it.
Plus there are so many EU diplomats in Moscow who still have to travel, same with EU citizens who are working in Moscow.
DeleteThey can simply use Turkish. No problem with that.
DeleteWhy would it be OK Turkish to connect Moscow via IST to Europe and it is not OK Air Serbia to do the same via BEG?
DeleteDouble standards in their worst shape.
Turkey being in NATO should comply before Serbia. Serbia is not in NATO nor EU member state.
DeleteSerbia should be left alone to make it's own decision.
What has NATO have to do with rights of civilian aircrafts flying to Russia? Absolutely nothing.
DeleteAnd surely Turkey should not comply before Serbia as CO2 emissions (let's not forget "green policy" announced by green Talibans and widely accepted by EU) of flying to Russia via IST are much higher than flying via BEG (much shorter route even after closing Ukrainian and Belarus air space).
This should be allowed to continue, not only for the sake of EU citizens but because Russians themselves. There are many Russian citizens who do not support Putin's regime and his war. They're victims too and should be able to have some way out of Russia.
DeleteWhy would you call Russian government "Putin's regime"? You are just poisoning this topic with taking sides on political level.
DeleteBy the way, many governments deserve to be called "regime" before Russian, e.g. US after shameful coup during last elections...
Good work on Air Serbia for reacting quickly again.
ReplyDelete+1
DeleteYeaterday's Air Serbia flight to Moscow was the most tracked om Flightradar24.
ReplyDeletelol the other day beg was the busiest airport in europe and the nato planes over romania or pland with more than 20 thousand viewers do not count...
DeleteFlights are expensive because of the big demand.
ReplyDeleteI noticed that Turkish Airlines has also hiked fares, around 800 EUR return.
DeleteAfter Air Serbia added flights over night it's fares are now around the same price.
Delete^ Makes sense
DeleteNaturally, new flights being added means they are empty so lowest fares are available. Will be interesting to see how long it will take before they are sold out. That is flights being sold out, not the lowest fares.
DeleteHow long do the flights take with this newer routing?
ReplyDeleteNot much longer, around 20 minutes more.
DeleteOk that's not bad.
DeleteWhen does Air Serbia have its next flight to New York?
ReplyDeleteI mean when is the A330 going to be used next to the US?
DeleteTomorrow
DeleteSo it looks like they gor the Aeroflot slots from the Russians.
ReplyDelete*got
DeleteWhy slots from SU when SU is not flying right now to half of it's destinations? SVO airport slots are wide open ... use them as it pleases
DeleteRussia had to approve it for JU to use them. Flights to Russia are heavily regulated.
DeleteMEB3 will profit a lot from this. They will take all of Aeroflot's connecting traffic to Asia.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, the biggest loser seems to be Finnair. Just like JU's European network will profit from this situation, so will theirs suffer from having to bypass Russia and Ukraine. For a few days now they have been canceling Tokyo and Seoul flights while destinations like Singapore and Bangkok are flying longer an hour or two.
DeleteTheir stocks are down 30% this week..
DeleteOn top of the extra 7 weekly flights next week, they have also added another 4 flights this week.
ReplyDeleteI hope they will be able to continue with the flights.
ReplyDeleteHas JU increased flights to LED as well?
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful way to start a new month! Fantastic opportunity for Air Serbia, Belgrade airport as well as all JU partners at BEG who will profit from having a codeshare with them.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I am sure the Serbian government is happy about this situation as this extra income will reduce the amount they will have to give JU to cover their winter losses.
The EU has more or less failed to get countries onboard its sanctions train. Besides the EU, US, Canada and a few other allies, very few countries have jumped onboard. Yesterday it was Mexico who turned them down while the entire Middle East did the same. Some like the UAE even supported Russia's efforts to protect its interests. Israels has condemned the attack but has gone silent ever since.
Seems like a lot of countries out there are not willing to jeopardize their economic ties with Russia over a regional conflict they have nothing to do with.
This diplomatic failure definitely doesn't bode well for the US/EU.
In the end, so many new passengers will get to experience the Air Serbia product and brand. In the future if they are flying somewhere and they see JU as an option, they are going to be more likely to book it as they have already experienced it. Similar to JU in LJU after Adria's demise.
Yes, beautiful. "Only"the EU, US and Canada. And India, Japan, Taiwan and a few other such small countries. Whereas Mexico with is huge economy is supporting Russia. How to go against the sole country which keeps you alive... They are just as shortsighted as you are.
Delete"Beautiful"?! There is a full scale invasion of one country by its neighbor and "beautiful" is the only word you found to describe some of the consequences of that action.
DeleteAnon 08.28
DeleteIndia? India has not introduced sanctions on Russia so I don't know what you are going on about. Serbia has chosen neutrality as it should have and now they are profiting from this decision. Nothing about being shortsighted.
Anon 09.16
It's beautiful how Serbian aviation is profiting from this situation. Just like Germany will profit from this war since most of the weapons provided to Ukraine was manufactured by them. No one seems to mind that. Just like they are profiting from this situation, so are JU and BEG.
Nemjee, r you on something or you did not open TV in the last 7 days. These are the most draconian sanctions ever imposed on any country. They will break the back of Russia, maybe not tomorrow but within short period, year or two max. If you do not have background in economy or finance, then I get it. They will run him to ground with these sanctions.
DeleteAS will be at mercy of EU/US, meaning, if those 2 say: Ok lets, keep a small link to Russia. Then AS, Belgrade, Serbia is a clear winner here, near monopoly. But I doubt it, we will pay for it later on in some shape or form.
Also I see nothing 'beautiful' in this horrific war where both Ortodox slavic countries will pay the price. Your comments are off the mark both on the common sense and business side.
DeleteAs long as the West keeps on buying Russian gas and oil at these prices, Russia will prevent its economy from collapsing. Have you see how much oil is selling for these days? Same with gas. These sanctions will be pointless as long as Russia is receiving billions in foreign currency payments every day.
DeleteHow is my comment off from a business side when Air Serbia and BEG are profiting from all this. I am just entertained by people being so worried about the fate of the Ukrainians while completely ignoring those who die in other parts of the world thanks to Western interventions. Are you aware that the other day Saudi Arabia bombarded Yemen 19 times in a single day on top of a humanitarian crisis that is going on over there?
So please, let's quit with this fake concern for innocent lives and focus on aviation development which is the whole point of this portal.
@NEMJEE I usually like your comments, but I think this was a foul from your side. You simply are in favor of war just because Air Serbia will profit from this! This is insane and your obsession with Air Serbia is becoming to a mad level!
DeleteYou have absolutely no clue about what is coming to Russia. US will wrap up fracking production to a tilt, Keystone pipeline among others, give them 1 or 2 years, then what??
DeleteYour comment..." So please, let's quit with this fake concern for innocent lives and focus on aviation development which is the whole point of this portal.".........was seen by most here and trust me people will remember that. Wrong move buddy.
nemjee, based on your analogy the yu wars were beautiful just because it was beneficial for someone financially. It's disgusting even to write it down. You just zeroed your credibility.
DeleteOk, I will be sad right now about all these positive developments for JU and BEG and pretend that I care about a conflict that has been going on since 2014 and that most of your ignored until a few days ago.
DeleteMaybe I should start calling JU a war profiteer like a certain self-proclaimed analyst who obviously shares your views on this topic.
SF, Biden won't encourage fracking and he won't reopen the pipeline which he shut down once he became president. The other day he released millions of barrels from storage hoping it would bring the price down but it didn't. Both oil and gas prices keep on rising and if I am not mistaken gas recorded the highest price so far.
In conclusion, I am not going to be sad or a hypocrite. I find it beautiful that JU is boosting flights to Russia and getting hundreds of transfers from other airlines that were forced to terminate flights to Russia.
So please read more carefully, I did not say war was beautiful, I don't care much about it. However circumstances that have come from it are indeed beautiful for Serbia and its aviation sector. Unless JU boosting Moscow to 15 weekly and sending the A332 is ugly or somehow horrible?
Ok, you are not someone to talk to any more.
DeleteLooks like the same guy writing to Nemjee just different times ;)
DeleteNemjee is not expressing joy at the Ukrainian conflict, just at the fact that JU (NOT "AS") is able to continue operating on these routes. Looks like it's the usual non-JU fanboys are pissed that a A330 flew can now fly with a LF of 100% 3 times a week.
In truth, the whole point we all look at this website is the hope that we will see the Ex-Yu markets recover from the wars of the 90s and grow to their previous prosperous days.
Some of the complaints here are hypocritical as there would no doubt be similar enthusiasm if other carriers were able to tap into this opportunity. "It was okay for LH, TK, BA and others to take the Ex-Yu market." But it's not okay now?
Even a pathetic company like Wizz Air act up and allocated 100.000 free tickets to people escaping the war. Meanwhile Air Serbia... Bravo.
DeleteNot Nemjee praising invading politics and focusing on economic aspect of JU.
DeleteAnon 11.46
DeleteAbsolutely, you got my point. This is an aviation portal, not a military one. We are here to discuss aviation related topics and today's discussion is on JU using a unique position to its advantage. Like you said, seems like certain people have a problem with that.
Anon 11.49
So Air Serbia is supposed to offer free tickets for people escaping Ukraine while flying out of Moscow and St. Petersburg? You do know those are cities in Russia, a sovereign country and Ukraine's neighbor where there is no war.
I think it's the same people or person who always feels sorry for Serbian taxpayers that is writing against AS now :D
Delete''This is an aviation portal, not a military one. We are here to discuss aviation related topics and today's discussion is on JU using a unique position to its advantage.''
DeleteThat's true, the only problem is that you're completely contradicting yourself.
Funny how some people on this forum always defend national carriers as something what represents a country, something what we could call a national interest (and im alligned with it), however these same folks all the sudden care about the profit of the national carrier, only about the profit. That is beyond my intelectual range.
DeleteEU is already starting to feel the consequences of its actions. Inflation is through the roof and Euro is losing its value. Good mix for aviation especially with oil going to as high as $114!
DeleteSloavio no one is speaking about JU being profitable but that this extra income will be welcomed
DeleteOh man, we are on the internet, please find some reliable sources of information. It's ridicilous to come with this argument in the age when you can check any information in 30 seconds.
DeleteWho are you talking about?
DeleteI'm also very happy for JU. This is fantastic opportunity for them.
About anon 15:55
DeleteWell I went online and found that inflation was first 5.1% then 5.8% and right now they think it will be 6% in March.
DeleteOil reached $110 so other Anon wasn't that wrong. So I don't see point of your comment.
These are anyway fantastic news for JU!
I remember how Budapest airport benefeted big time in 90s from BEG being shut down. I am sure Hungarians would call it beautiful with no meaning that the war is beautiful.
DeleteAnd for SF with economy background, let us wait and see if Russian's back will be broken with sanctions. Let us also wait and see who will be a #1 looser. Smells like EU to me...
You're talking absolute nonsense here. It's not the EU who failed, it's Putin who failed. Contrary to what he wanted, he united Ukrainians, he united NATO and he strengthened domestic resistance against himself. No matter the military outcome, Putin has already lost this war.
DeleteAnd it absolutely does not matter whether or not countries outside the West get on board with the sanctions, because most of the Russian money goes to the West, especially the UK. And all of that is confiscated now. In return, most of the Russian income comes from the West, which is now decimated.
Russia won't be able to sustain this war just from the gas money. Russia also lacks the infrastructure to move gas exports to other parts of the world, i.e. China. The Russian ruble became worth nothing, meaning that pretty much everything in Russia has become very expensive. Most of Russian import comes from the West as well, meaning that Russia will soon face shortages in almost everything. Importing it from other countries has become terribly expensive because of the invaluable ruble and there's also not much infrastructure to facilitate it.
If you really think the EU has failed, I have to help you out of your dream. Russia has a massive problem. Maybe not acute, but give it a few weeks.
Of course, it hurts the EU countries too. But Russia is much more dependent on the EU than the EU is dependent on Russia. The EU also has a much better infrastructure that enables them to shift imports and exports to/from other countries than Russia. We're also approaching summer, meaning that EU countries need less energy anyways. It is very clear that in the long run, Russia will totally lose this sanctional battle.
What you also fail to see, is that it is not just about money and economy. Many sanctions are designed to hit the Russian oligarchs who are close to Putin. They will see their lavish lives severely disrupted, which may prompt them to give up their support for Putin. However, many other sanctions will also hit regular Russian people and the overall economy. When the Russian people are going to face economic challenges, product shortages and food shortages, and especially when that lasts long, they will stand up to the Russian government. By that time, many Russian mothers will also have seen the return of their sons in bodybags. Domestic support for this war will cripple, and without domestic support, Putin will have to abort his mission.
There's only one possibility for Russia to win this conflict: use nuclear weapons against the West. And even then, the chance for Russia to lose is far greater than its chance to win. Everything beside the nuclear option is a guaranteed failure for Russia.
And you'll have to face that reality, Mr. Nemjee.
^ you realise this is an aviation site?
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteLast year hurghada this year moscow. Air Serbia seems to miraculously find a gold mine every year :)
ReplyDeleteBeing on the same side with Belavia should be enough embarrassment for Air Serbia. This exactly shows where the country feels itself closer, that's why it won't be part of the union unless it changes its mindset (And I don't mean politicians only, apparently many welcome this move of "turning a blind eye to Ukraine", instead of criticizing and increasing the pressure on their government)
ReplyDeleteYes, shame on Turkish, Emirates , Etihad, Qatar and many many more who still fly to Russia.
DeleteHow stupid they must be not to make artificial losses only because somebody else (who already bombed Serbia and damaged heavily Serbian economy) made their own decision.
Well, Malev profited greatly from the war in Yugoslavia. BEG being basically shut down provided them with a great deal of extra passengers they wouldn't otherwise have have. Then there is Austrian Airlines which also profited from JAT's demise.
DeleteThis has been going on since the dawn of time. This time around it's Serbia that is profiting from a certain geopolitical development.
+100 Nemjee
DeleteAirSerbia or Serbia itself is not on anyone's side, including Belavia that unlike AS doesn't fly to most of Europe. AirSerbia is doing business and it's filling a part of a huge hole in demand between Moscow and the rest of Europe. It's rather hypocritical to say that it is an embarrassment for AirSerbia to not follow a trend of self-destruction like some airlines did.
DeleteThose who do not wish to fly AirSerbia don't have to, they are just using the situation to profit as much as they can since they are after all a company that seeks profit above all.
Malev profited and see where they are now. Or Austrian, sinking continuously. This war might help a poor airline like Air Serbia for a while but their reputation will be destroyed.
Delete@09,16
DeleteThe EU has no intention of expanding anytime soon and have made this very clear. We are getting the Open Balkan deal as a compromise to keep us optimistic of an EU future, which again, is not happening.
We can sit still in anticipation of EU membership, or go about our own foreign policy. We are obviously going with the latter. A couple of recent examples include the trade deals with China and passport free travel to Turkey, which does not align with EU policy.
As for JU and B2 being on the same side, you must of missed the part of Serbia putting sanctions on Belarus after the forced diversion of the infamous FR flight. Many carriers are still operating into Russia including TK, EK, EY, QR, CA, UL, PC, MS, G9, FZ within the last 24 hours. I guess they too should be embarrassed, or is that title reserved only for JU and Serbia?
This guy is in a state of frenzy with his numerous comments on the same theme of "pointing out" how people should shun Serbia and look at it with utter disgust because JU flies to Russia. Comical. Lol.
Delete... and very pathetic.
DeletePutting TK, EK, EY, QR, CA, UL, PC, MS, G9 and FZ in the same basket as JU is like comparing apples with oranges. Do any of these airlines try to join the EU? Its an EU policy and not a NATO policy.
DeleteAirlines don't join EU but states, so it shouldn't be up to JU, TK or any airline to make political decisions. Turkey is candidate country in EU accession process, a level above Albania for example.
DeleteCandidacy doesn't mean same politics must be applied, but it should be proccess where at the end of it EU and candidate country share same point of view. This is because only at that time, new member state can influence the policy which it must apply. Without seat at the table, noone expects same treatment of candidate country and member state because member state shapes and influences the policy, and candidate state doesn't.
Of course airlines do not join the EU, I was (clearly) refering to the state owned airlines and through this to the state itself. So If I understood well, you compare Turkey´s position with the Albanian one, despite the fact that Albania does not own an airline, so I do not find any reference.
DeleteCandidacy does not mean same politics should be applied, nor does the membership (regarding the foreign policy), but still MS agreed on flight bans from RF. Serbia has no formal obligation to follow the EU foreign policies, however undermining the EU position wont help Serbia in any way. World became very black and white 7 days ago. Of course Serbia can side with Russia and its agression, thats at its discretion. But I guess most serbians do not see Serbia in an economic and political union.
Albania has an airline
DeleteI think we are giving this more thought than EU itself. I'm completelly fine with them stating publicly what must be done and "we have no means" doesn't sound like they care about this at the moment. If they think differently, I would be more than happy for them to finally start talking about Serbian stance on this and other matters. Till then I'm not gonna be more European Union than Union itself.
DeleteKolicina nonsensa koje si ovde danas izbacio je frapantna.
DeleteVrlo si jasno napisao da se kompanije pridruzuju EU pa kad si bio ispravljen onda pokusavas da se izvadis.
Za tvoju informaciju Albanija poseduje nacionalnu avio kompaniju. Nije velika, nije jaka, ali postoji.
Ne moraju ni sve clanice EU da se oko svega saglase a kamoli drzave kandidati za EU pogotovo u onim situacijama kad su ugrozeni interesi te iste drzave. Pet clanica EU ne podrzavaju nezavisnost Kosova jer to njima ne ide u prilog, ali se zato moze Srbiji spocitavati sto gleda svoje a ne zapadne interese kad je u pitanju letenje za Rusiju.
Kad su bile deljene EU pare za EU clanice kao oporavak od ekonomskih posledica koje je stvorila pandemija u vazduhoplovstvu niko se nije nasao pametan od vas novopecenih zapadnjaka da se buni sto Srbija kao zemlja kandidat ne dobija isti novac kao i zemlje clanice a sad kad treba seci granu na kojoj sedis zbog debelih zapadnjackih pozadina e onda hajde da stavimo Srbiju na stub srama jer ne "prati EU politiku".
Dakle, izbacite iz svojih ispranih glavica da onaj ko nije sa tobom mora automatski biti protiv tebe. Air Serbia je kompanija koja se bavi letenjem i prevozom putnika kao i robe i niti na jedan nacin ne podrzava vojnu akciju Rusiju samo zato sto nastavlja da leti na linijama na kojima je letela pre nego sto je ista od ovoga i pocelo. Dakle obavlja svoj core business. To sto nekima od vas to smeta, to je iskljucivo vas problem.
Dosta vise sa tim duplim standardima i histerijom. Daleko od toga da podrzavam akciju Rusije u Ukrajini, ali isto tako ne podrzavam ni zapadnjacko bombardovanje Sirije, Somalije, Srbije i mnogih drugih zemalja. Kad su ove zemlje u pitanju bili ste manji od makovog zrna i niste ni na jedan nacin osudjivali agresore niti trazili bilo kakve sankcije za njega a kamoli da je ijedna avio kompanija prestala leteti za sve te centre moci.
Pitam se kako se mozete pogledati u ogledalo.
"Vrlo si jasno napisao da se kompanije pridruzuju EU pa kad si bio ispravljen onda pokusavas da se izvadis." Yeah right dude, I think airlines are members of the EU.
DeleteAnd then you got 4 paragraphs of argumention, which would make sense If anyone here claimed Serbia is obliged to follow the EU policy. Noone claims that. But (non) following the policy shows your (serbian) standing about. Nothing more. Nothing less.
Your references to other conflict areas just show you do not care about any conflict. The only point of your references is to relativize the current policy. Very low and very transperant. Have seen this already. Politics will never do everything well, but does this mean you can undermine every political action only because all the problems do not get the same attention or the same response? Please, If someone can be charged with nonsense, that is you.
Official stance and expectation of Brussels is that Serbia should follow the EU and impose sanctions. Like other Anon said why should we follow it when we didn't get equal treatment during covid crisis?
DeleteRemember that even EU banned exports of medical equipment during covid which included Serbia. Since we weren't equal then why should we be equal now? Hm.
prices going up in situation like this is pure war profiteering. End of story. Can somebody explain to EC that people need to get home somehow? This kind of hysteria is punishing people who have nothing to do with war in Ukraine.
ReplyDeleteIf your plane is full your prices go up.
DeleteIt has always been the case. And it is not JU fault that their SVO flights are selling so quickly.
Unfortunately, in emergency cases, airlines drastically hike their prices. Just not soo long ago, when countries started to close their borders due to the pandemic and people were stuck abroad around the world, they were forced to pay outrageous prices to go home.
DeleteIn a situation like this, everyone should WANT the prices to go up. Prices going up is the only way to ensure that there is enough supply, that if you absolutely, positively, at any cost MUST be on that plane, there will be a seat for you.
DeleteMoreover high prices motivate additional supply, which provides supply when it is needed the most and as a side effect drives the prices DOWN. Exactly what happened when JU shuffled its schedule upside down to send more planes to Moscow, despite gambling considerable political capital. Wouldn't have happened without higher prices.
If prices don't go up, in a situation like this, people snap up the available seats immediately. Good for them (for those people). And then what? Scarce goods went to those who clicked the fastest, not to those who need the seats the most. If you don't understand this, then you never were in a situation where you absolutely had to have something, where it was a matter of life or death, where nothing else mattered.
This is Economics 101.
There is always a way for EU to block these flights. Just because they haven't blocked them now, it doesn't mean the situation can't change.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me that you wish it to happen as you can't stand the fact Air Serbia could make money on this stupid EU move.
DeletePlease let us know based on which rule EU can stop third airline from flying in her own airspace if that airline had no any rule broken or anyhow was sanctioned due to war activities in the country she was not involved to.
Probably the same rule that allows Serbia to block all flights with destination PRN from overflying their airspace.
DeleteTouché.
DeleteIf the Eu wants to further antagonize Serbia, they can.
DeleteJU can either shuttle those pax directly, or with Aerofly via IST, as they are doing now, where SU gets the largest part of the cake.
So if the goal is to punish Russia, banning JU will only make SU earning more money.
So unless you're stupid, you get what i mean?
Judging by the EU's statement in this article, they do not plan to block JU.
DeleteLet's not forget there's an entire new dimension to all this.
DeleteIf say, EU forbids airlines from third parties from reaching Russia, then what stops Russia from forbidding all EU-bound traffic from its airspace?
Such as QR to Finland and many others. We're talking about hundreds of flights per day, that could completely cripple EU traffic and economy, either by stopping services of forcing long detours.
So is it worth risking it over a single airline flying between Russia and the EU?
You get what i mean.
@anon 10:21
DeleteKosovo* is according to UN resolution part of Serbia and Serbia does not recognize independence of Kosovo* including its Government as well as air regulations made by that Government. Therefore all the flights to Kosovo* air space are not allowed by Serbian authorities. Mind you, all the airlines flying over Kosovo* to its final destinations are allowed to enter Serbian air space.
From the other side, Serbia is not part of EU and does not have to follow its decisions but at the same time EU does recognize independence of Serbia (5 EU countries even recognize Kosovo* as a part of Serbia) and all Serbian air regulations. As Serbia is anyhow not involved in conflict in Ukraine, EU has zero good reasons to block Air Serbia flying in EU air space.
These situations are very different and can't be compared at all. Like apples and oranges.
Touché énorme.
DeleteEU has already stated that it can not block AS from flying to RF because the country is not a member of EU.Same with TK,EY, QR, CA, UL, PC........On the other hand it can not block planes from third party countries to overfly EU heading to RF because that would cause huge problems around the world and practicly cut Asia and teh Pacific region from flying to Europe because RF would retaliate with the same measure which would then cause a complete collapse of the airline and travel industry.
Delete@Aэrologic
DeleteYou're forgetting that if Russia would do that, they would pretty much only hurt Chinese airlines. And I'm pretty sure Russia does not want any trouble with China right now.
But the EU would only hurt Air Serbia on one single route, and maybe a few flights from Cubana and Conviasa. That's all. They can easily do that.
Is AirSerbia going to introduce regular flights to the Far East? To Tokyo and Seul for instance? They could have a stopover in Moscow.
ReplyDeleteNo, Tokyo - Japan has sanctions on Russia, South Korea is about to introduce them, no flights permited from Russia or in to Russia over Russians attacking Japanise commerical vessells in Baltic Sea. Japan had terrible reletions with Russia, now there's little chance these can be reparied.
DeleteBut I guess Japan and South Korea have no sanctions over AirSerbia. In theory they can fly there if they negotiate the slots.
DeleteGuys, YU-ARA has been undergoing "delivery" checks by Air Serbia engineers over the last month - look's like it's officially returning :)
ReplyDeleteDoubtful as it has other engines from YU-ARB. When JU gets the second A332 it will be one with same engine time as ARB.
DeleteWhy is it of such a essential importance?
DeleteReduces maintenance costs.
Deleteits also has got different seating configuration. But where is YU-ARA now?
Delete@12,07
DeleteIt's in AUH, still in the JU livery, however without the Serbia Creates sticker on the tail.
@10,23
I doubt it will be back. I believe the main issue was the price of the aircraft, with the lessor refusing to renegotiate the lease price, prompting JU to replace it with YU-ARB. Having 2 aircraft and 2 different engines isn't an efficient way of doing things, especially since JU has a choice on aircraft. Configuration is also different, mainly business class, which will need to be refitted.
YU-ARA is sitting in Abu Dhabi next to high way in original JU colours (without "Serbia creates" foil), it was recently photographed and waiting to be flown.
DeleteI wonder if JU can get ARA for some super price (it is obviously collecting dust now) and I wonder if higher maintenance costs would still be main factor JU not to lease this plane once again (probably for half of previous price) taking in consideration affordable price.
Do you guys think that AS should adapt to some extent current timetable for regional flights (SJJ, BNX, SKP etc.) in order to harmonize and allow smoother connections?
ReplyDeleteNo need to stimulate demand for Russia. It's at fixed level now and it will stay at that level for some time. Whoever needs to reach Moscow, he'll go there, waiting an hour or 4 hours at BEG. There is huge network out of this mess which needs to work smoothly.
DeleteJU has to urgently wet-lease another widebody to cater to the demand in this short term.
ReplyDeleteI don't much about it, but seems like they are already on the hunt for additional 330.
DeleteBased on what are they on the hunt for additional 330?
DeleteOh EU has number of means to stop this - from soft power to official ban. Obviously EU doesn't have reason to do it. Means, they'll find them when and if needed.
ReplyDeleteWishful thinking.
DeleteThere is no rule that would allow EU to block JU of flying to Russia. Your jealousy does not count as one.
Only someone who has no clue can claim what anon@14:19 is claiming. Dude, google for soft power. Very recommended. EC is not soft, believe me.
DeleteI'm not jealous, I'm satisfied with JU flying everywhere. If it was up to me civil traffic would never be considered for sanctions anywhere.
DeleteJust saying that EU has means to block JU flights in numerous ways and that it doesn't do it at the moment for some reason. Same applies to all EU policies toward Serbia in the last decade.
Everyone following this blog know I praise the way JU is developing and I am glad there is at least one serious airline in the ex-yu, so I definitely cannot have "label" of wishful thinking for JU to withdraw from SVO, or to be jealous about it. The problem with most of the people here is they see everything black and white only - one says a single word of criticism, or possibility of negative development of situation - automatically he or she is traiter and hater. What does it mean for this particular situation : It depends if the War in Ukraine will be a short one, or last for years. If short one, JU will definitely get huge profit being single european airline operating to Moscow, during that shorter period of time. But if Russia finds strong resistance in Ukraine, and does not give up on its intervention, EU and political West generally, will strenghten the sanctions and try to isolate Russia completely. In that case, as they cannot ban JU flying to Russia, they will ban it flying to EU & US. I am definitely not hoping for that to happen, on the contrary, but all those seeing only positive things in current situation, should be aware that it might be turned to disaster for JU, and it might happen that JU will face situation to decide whether continue flying to Russia only or to all other destinations it serve
DeleteEU power well-explained.
DeleteUnfortunately sloavio did not understand my post. Sad.
DeleteWhat post was that?
DeletePozdrav is absolutely correct. The EU has said it cannot stop ASL from flying to Russia. That doesn't mean they will not take any action against it in the future. Currently it serves them well because it helps them get their people out of Russia. Later on they can put pressure on ASL by preventing flights to the EU and USA. I am pretty certain I know which market is larger and more profitable. I am also sure that ASL knows there may be limits on these flights in the future and so currently they are making maximum use of the situation as they are in a unique position.
DeleteWhen/if EU set up rules that anyone flying to Russia would be banned from flying to EU destinations, or if countries ban overflight destined to Russia, I am certain the AirSerbia routes to Russia will be suspended. It is again clear business sense. I doubt AirSerbia will fly to Moscow only. C'mon.
DeleteI am puzzled with what the armed conflict in Ukraine has to do with the AirSerbia. No one is enforcing them to stop flying, so they are flying. They are allowed by Russian and Serbian authorities, and the civil aviation authorities of all countries AirSerbia's planes are flying over.
ReplyDeleteThis may be a unique position for JU but it is what it is. They are doing their core business.
We should not get involved into politics, for once we should stay out of it. All of us.
BR from Belgrade
Yes, I am fully aware of all the horrors that might come out of the apocallyptic mess, but I am still puzzled why would someone mind that an airline flies routes it is totally entitled to, with all permissions granted.
DeleteIt is made appear like AirSerbia is doing someting imorral, yet politics aside, they are perfoming their core business, pure flying, with all permissions granted, nothing more, nothing less.
Surprisingly well, I might add.
BR from Belgrade
If EU bans carriers of third countries to fly to Russia through its airspace, Russia could do the same, which would disable all Asian carriers to fly to Europe, including Cargo flights, which would be catastrophic for everyone.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I think EU does not mind these flights, as it is in a way a humanitarian corridor for EU citizens to leave Russia via Serbia.
Bravo!
DeleteRussia power well-explained.
It would not be chatastrophic. It already had been the case. During Soviet era and the cold war, airspace over Siberia was closed, Transsiberian route did not exist, and all airlines had operated flights to the Far East either using stopovers in SE Asia, BKK the most often, or flying via the North Pole with the stopover in Anchorage, Alaska. Little longer, yes, more expensive as well, yes, but not impossible and for sure not chatastrophic. Just saying.
DeleteWell, it is catastrophic cause most airlines can't make it break even.
DeleteMeaning West will be totally dependent on Middle-Eastern and foreign carriers for their links with Asia.
No. European and Far Eastern carriers will reduce frequencies, rise prices, get better LF, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and continue linking Europe and the Far East the way it was done 40 or 50 years ago. I will admit wrong if you manage to explain me why you think one stop with transfer in Dubai on Emirates, for example, on Zurich Tokyo route, would be better option then one stop Swiss flight Zurich Dubai Tokyo. Not to mention polar route which is even shorter and cheaper. No logic in what you wrote.
DeleteThen why were they flying over Russia until now? o<O
DeleteFor fun. Like question like answer.
DeleteYou're not smart, aren't you?
DeleteNo, I am stupid, you are the smart one
Delete^ I like that!
ReplyDeleteSanctions just means redirecting trade flows.
ReplyDeleteHere in Canada we do not have any trade with Russia at all.
Still we export furs to China where they make fur coats and guess where they sell them to.
Ninety percent of these fur coats and accessoires go to to Russia ...
Yes but Europe is suffering greatly from sanctions. Look at inflation, they predict 6% in March
DeleteRussia has a strong domestic production of furs. Where do you think the šubara comes from?
DeleteInteresting articles and viewpoints but unfortunately AS faces a tough road unless the government of Serbia completely gives in to ultimatums and patronization from the EU and the US and that includes recognizing Kosovo. My hope is that in the long term Serbia decides to stay out of the EU. Serbia is already the heart of Europe but most of Europe does not share our values, and they have proven this once again with Ukraine. Russia was seeking guarantees that Ukraine would never join NATO. Neither the govt of the Ukraine nor the EU would agree to that. The result is another war in Europe.
ReplyDeleteAnd what are those Serbian values?
DeleteMeanwhile JU has boosted other destinations in March, now they are on full road of recovery.
ReplyDeleteLJU from 8 to 14
LCA from 2 to 3
ZAG from 4 to 5
TIA from 6 to 9
SKP from 5 to 6
CPH from 2 to 3
AMS from 4 to 6
ZAG is being rather weak.
DeleteWouldn't this be a good time for JU to launch Shanghai and Beijing?
ReplyDeleteThe best time. I just don't know if China still imposes strict covid rules?
DeleteThis is good news for Serbian TAX payers, one of the rare flights that is not secretly heavy subsidied with TAX money and will be making money. And yes there should be flighta in and out of Russia in times like these.
ReplyDelete"one of the rare flights that is not secretly heavy subsidied ... "
Deleteok, whatever ...
How is it going to affect BEG-JFK route? To my knowledge, Air Serbia only operates a single A333. Are they going to wet-lease another wide-body/-ies asap, or are they going to suspend the BEG-JFK route?
ReplyDeleteThey are not suspending anything. They are just using the plane on days when it is not operating to New York since in winter they only have 2 weekly JFK flights.
DeleteOkay, makes sense. How frequent is the route in summer though? Summer schedule starts later this month already!
DeletePeople are fleeing out of Russia in desperate times. It is not that Belgrade has become so popular in peace time and demand is rightfully dictating the prices. What AS and Turkish are doing is WAR PROFITEERING. End of story. Had AS any decency left, they would deploy more planes, and not soar prices in area of more than several thousand € for single way tickets!
DeleteThey have done just that and prices are not several thousand euros but 600-800 return.
Delete