Air Serbia sees 2027 as an important year, during which it will celebrate the centenary of aviation in the country, while Belgrade will host the specialised Expo exhibition, from May 15 until August 15, which is expected to generate additional traffic. “As the official airline carrier and partner of Expo 2027, we are also considering the introduction of dedicated charter services. We are in contact with the Government of the Republic of Serbia regarding interest in specific markets. For us, this is more than just an event, it’s a global marketing opportunity”, the carrier’s CEO, Jiri Marek, said recently. The airline has two Airbus A330-200 aircraft in a special livery promoting the event, while the rest of the fleet is in the process of receiving stickers advertising the four-month exhibition.
In 2027, the airline will also celebrate a hundred years since the establishment of the country’s first national airline Aeroput. “We will mark 100 years since the founding of Aeroput in 1927, whose legacy we carry as its successor”, the CEO noted. The airline is looking at ways to inter-promote both events. “The impact of Expo goes beyond its three-month duration, attracting visitors even after the event through word of mouth. As the national airline, we see this as a great chance to bring global attention to Serbia while carrying many of these visitors ourselves. Global events bring immense opportunities, especially for a small country like Serbia, which remains unfamiliar to many”, Mr Marek said.
Next year, the airline plans to open its new headquarters, with construction having recently begun near Belgrade Airport. Furthermore, an order for new aircraft could be placed in 2027. “Another key priority for us is the construction of a new building - our corporate headquarters at the airport. This is a very dynamic period for us, as that project is also scheduled for completion in spring 2027”, Mr Marek said. Last year, the CEO noted that the airline could potentially place an order for new aircraft in 2027, but cautioned that deliveries would still be some way off. Until now, the carrier has relied primarily on mid-life aircraft.
I suppose these would be long haul charters?
ReplyDeleteYes
DeleteWhich ones could they be?
DeleteDedicated charters could be great for inbound tourism but Serbia still needs better promotion in key markets. Air Serbia can’t do everything alone.
DeleteIf the government is involved, expect “strategic routes” that make no commercial sense, paid by incentives.
DeleteThe president had announced a year ago that JU would start NRT.
Delete^ How is that related to JU saying they will operate specialised charters for Expo? And JU has itself said that ICN and NRT are part of their long-term plans for scheduled services.
DeleteProbably IAD, LAX, ATL or DFW in USA.
DeleteMIA should be scheduled destination before Expo, I recon
DeleteIt will be an interesting year. Out of all those, new aircraft order would be most desired.
ReplyDeleteIf they order in 2027, deliveries might arrive 2030+ in today’s market.
DeleteIf they’re ordering aircraft they need to decide what they are. A regional carrier, European network airline or long-haul niche player.
DeleteSilly to have to "decide" on any one of those. They are all three.
DeleteAre they really odrering aircraft?
Delete^ they said 2027 is realistic year for aircraft order. Whether they will do it remains to be seen.
DeleteThey may lease new planes maybe even very quick. Lesors have planes on order up front
DeleteIf they order anything from Airbus or Boeing in 2027 first deliveries will happen in 2032 or something...
Delete^ COMAC would go out of its way to secure early delivery slots for a European legacy carrier like ASL.
DeleteMaybe it is a good alternative to ordering Airbus.
Maybe, but type rating crew would be a huge problem
Delete@10:29 not something that I think a serious European airline will do
Delete@12:58
DeleteHe is talking about JU.
Indeed, and JU is a serious airline so no way it will go for COMAC.
DeleteAny chance of a retro livery?
ReplyDeleteHighly doubt JU will paint an aircraft in JAT livery.
DeleteMaybe in Aeroput livery.
DeleteThey have that E195 that still isn't painted. They can do it on that one.
DeleteThe old Yugo egg livery or the cigarette smoke one from the 1990s?
DeleteI think both were great liveries. The "egg" was actually a stylised globe and the "cigarette smoke" was actually a stylised wing.
DeleteIt does not have to be retro livery. They could do a special 100 years livery.
DeleteOh please no. I personally cannot wait for expo to be over so that we can see A330 in original livery again.
DeleteThe 1990's livery was the best.
Delete@9.22 I don't think the expo livery is that bad. All the expo liveries seem to be simmilar
DeleteAlitalia - https://scontent.ffjr1-6.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/482216130_959396073029898_8379816997127303727_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=V55VADPPdHkQ7kNvwGkwm4V&_nc_oc=AdkRFAnNz_ZB5VMDj3s1lcxL-4i5rabX48SxWX8dnqvhia6sptrv4FI9yVZLD3N_bVk&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.ffjr1-6.fna&_nc_gid=ab9pv8Waln_Ir1mlAvlRVg&oh=00_AfpMoFQQy-wD3Mlh_ehXgRrzV_VBdEHq1BHZ_UtPXKI94w&oe=6976967D
Emirates - https://content.presspage.com/uploads/2431/800_expo1.jpg?10000
If Expo brings extra traffic, foreign airlines will also benefit not just Air Serbia.
ReplyDeleteJU the most as official carrier. It will transport all official guests.
DeleteHardly. There's 100+ official country entries, it's impossible for one company, no matter how big, to transport them all. Official airline means they pay for advertising in and around Expo essentially, and of course host nation will use it as official transport.
Delete@09:16
DeleteThat is correct.
Whole region will benefit. Someone who’s coming overseas will surely visit the most he can in the neighborhood.
DeleteExpo lasts three months, but the airline is acting like it’s the Olympics. Let’s stay realistic.
ReplyDelete+1
DeleteActually they don't act like that, they talk about it which is, I think, pretty much everything we will see about this.
DeleteА олимпијске игре трају-колико? Да кажемо три недеље. И EXPO и припреме самих павиљона трају још три месеца пре тога.
DeleteAnd it's also the small expo, not the big one held every 5 years (Osaka 2025) where everyone participates
Delete^
Delete" As of 20 July 2025, there are 118 countries that have confirmed their participation at Expo 2027"
So I think that is quite a lot.
I don't see why they are pushing Expo so much when it's so unpopular in Serbia.
DeleteIt will definitely bring millions, if it bring 100k foreign tourists it is a success.
DeleteThere should be more than 4 million total tourists. Astana reached that figure for its "small" expo, so a country in the middle of Europe like Serbia should easily surpass that number. Especially since there is a record number of countries participating for this type of event. It would be interesting if you could inform us how you came up with a figure of 100k? Thank you.
Delete@Anonymous 09:24
DeleteDo you really believe that millions of foreign visitors will come to Belgrade to see the EXPO? Like seriously?
Yes, if we look at attendance rates for previous specialised Expos, it's in line with expectations from the EXPO organisation itself. Is there some empirical data that you can provide to back your argument, or is it personal prejudices that you are venting?
Delete@10:08
DeleteAstana's 4 million visitors was the total number of people that actually went to see the Expo.
Not the number of foreign visitors that travelled to Kazakhstan to visit the Expo.
How many foreigners do you think will actually pay airline tickets, accommodation and admission fees for the EXPO?
Do you or anyone else has an estimate?
Between 5 and 6 millions are expected. Not more than million to two domestic and exyu
DeleteCertainly. If we take the official estimate of 15%-20% of Astana's 4 million visitors who were foreigners, then we can deduce that Belgrade, due to its better geographical location and transport interconnectedness, can conservatively aim for 25%. For a bare minimum total number of visitors of 4 million, that adds up to 1 million foreign visitors.
Delete@10:50
DeleteNo dude, Astana did not have 4 million foreign visitors. That was the total number of visitors which were overwhelmingly locals.
Surely. Thousands exhibitors will come to Belgrade from 140 countries for 5-6 months so my grandparents from Mala Krsna may see them live. Some people here...
Delete@10:50. 5-6million visitors to
DeleteSomething that almost the whole population of the planet is unaware of?
Once again... Expos are PLANETARY events, with tradition almost 200 years old. It's not some village festival, but after Olympics, oldest global event in the world. If you aren't aware of, most of the world's population is. How hard is comprehend that?
DeleteI certainly hope that you are right, that those millions of people do arrive and visit and speak of Serbia for years to come but I don't see that happening. I hope that JU reaps the benefits of this 'vašar' and truly becomes a global airline which it deserves to be
DeleteThey should definitely paint one aircraft in a “100 Years” livery and show it around - centennial liveries are really popular these days.
ReplyDeleteRetro livery would fit great the all-white E195
DeleteATC will get the JU livery just like the other 3.
DeleteMarek, the master of saying something without actually saying anything.
ReplyDelete+1000
DeleteWaiting for Nemjee to count his +1 :-)
DeleteI thought the EXPO lasted longer than just 3 months.
ReplyDeleteIt's gonna last for us till pay the last cent of Expo debt so way longer than 3 months for sure
Delete@Anonymous 09:21
DeleteSad but true.
You obviously fail to understand the significant financial benefits this will bring to the country and the long-term potential it will generate for both the economy and tourism. The local mentality is staggering.
DeleteNot just that, I'm happy I failed to understand it.
DeleteWhatever rocks your boat. lol
Delete@09:28
DeleteDo you really think that tourists and investors will start flocking to Serbia because of a 3 month long exhibition about sport or something?
Not to start flocking, but there will be tangible long-term benefits to be derived. I see you are firing on all cylinders across multiple conversations to belittle this event, which it seems boils down to personal issues of its geographical location and not rational arguments. Specialised Expos create long-term gain by accelerating urban development, boosting the economy through tourism/investment, fostering innovation, and enhancing the national branding, though success varies. Tangible impact includes new infrastructure like pavilions and transport like the train line to the EXPO area and the new national stadium, while intangible effects involve improved social cohesion, cultural exchange, and a stronger global image. Methinks that if this event took place anywhere else on Earth other than Serbia, you wouldn't have a word to say about it.
DeleteWhat an utter ignorance. That’s why Malaga, Phuket, Minnesota and San Carlos tried to win Belgrade over Expo venue. They were bored and just wanted to waste some money for nothing. How poor souls are there
DeleteI lived in Knoxville; they had expo in 1982. One bank closed and most of the site used for students parking. Much ado about nothing meaning. Ko i svaki vasar.
DeleteIn 2027, it is also the 65th birthday of BEG. That is also an event to be marked
ReplyDeleteYes they marked 60th in such a good manner so for sure they will do it for 65th
DeleteYes might have been a bit of an issue to mark an anniversary during a global pandrmic and celebrate while your traffic figures were at a level from 15 years ago. Some people here are detached from reality.
DeleteMale, Zanzibar, Phuket are coming
ReplyDeleteThat would be nice, finally
DeleteThey should do one A330 in full retro Aeroput-inspired colours.
ReplyDeleteExpo or not, Belgrade’s growth is happening anyway. Air Serbia just wants to position itself as the main winner.
ReplyDeleteIf they order new aircraft, my guess is E2s and maybe a small order for neos. Widebodies are too risky.
ReplyDelete+1
DeleteMy guess also E2 or A220. Serbia has nice cooperation with Airbus in both civil and military aviation, on the other hand Embraer could offer a sweet deal and a shorter delivery time. So, who knows.
I hope for a mix of A320s and A321s, Embraers and ATRs can be leased, but the A320 family is the backbone of JU operations
DeleteEven. A319 neo is better solution than A220.
DeleteA319neo? Airbus plans to suspend it because no one is ordering this plane.
DeleteWidebodies of newer generation are needed to enable Air Serbia growth to distant destinations such as Tokyo and Los Angeles.
DeleteMy guess is also a large E2 order split into 2 varieties - 190 and 195.
DeleteIdemo dalje...
ReplyDeleteReading negative comments on such a positive article is actually entertaining. Waiting for my favourite ”taxpayers money” and ”pilots leaving JU” people to join in. Please don’t let us down!
ReplyDeleteThe usual suspects. Lol
DeleteIf nothing else, the expo thing has resulted in
ReplyDelete1) New JU HQ
2) New airport hotel
3) Overhaul of aviation museum
4) Expansion of BEG
5) Airport railway link
All 5 currently under construction
Hotel is under construction?
DeleteNot that i know of
DeleteConstruction permit for hotel has been requested last week, so still no works officially, only site preparations.
DeleteSo its not under construction...
DeleteI imagined Chinese people making negative comments on their projects....Do we really need 500000 km of high speed rail:):):)
ReplyDeleteHow fantastic it would be, if JU would put one embraer or A320 in aeroput livery
ReplyDeleteHere in Germany nobody ever heard of an Expo in Serbia.
ReplyDeleteI guess people are still salty about the one in Hannover which was an organisatorial and financial debacle.
^ Meanwhile the one in Shanghai was a big success.
DeleteThe Serbian pavillon with it Pirotski Cilim pattern was a hit and widely distributed in the media at the time.
Their shame.
Deletehttps://www.evergabe.com/en/tenders/technisch-organisatorische-umsetzung-der-deutschen-beteiligung-an-der-expo-2027-belgrade-1788291/
Meanwhile
ReplyDeletehttps://www.reuters.com/business/davos/electric-air-taxi-maker-archer-partners-with-serbia-global-markets-push-2026-01-21/