Air Serbia plans to further expand its fleet with the addition of two aircraft. The airline will introduce another 180-seat Airbus A320 and a 118-seat Embraer E195. Milica Netković, General Manager for People and Performance at Air Serbia, said, “For now, we have every reason to be satisfied with our revenue and passenger figures so far this year, which confirm that our five-year strategy is moving in the right direction. We can also confirm that we expect to add two more aircraft to our fleet - one A320 and one Embraer”. So far this year, the carrier has taken delivery of three A320s, one E195 and retired one A319.
The carrier’s fleet strategy foresees the phased retirement of its A319s over the next five years, alongside the addition of more Embraer jets and A320s. With the planned arrival of two aircraft, Air Serbia’s in-house Embraer fleet will grow to five, supplemented by four Bulgaria Air E190s wet-leased until the end of the 2027 summer season. Meanwhile, its A320 fleet will increase to seven aircraft.
Commenting on its Embraer fleet earlier this year, Air Serbia’s CEO, Jiri Marek, noted, “There will be a significant number of [E195]-E1 aircraft available on the market. At present, several carriers, including Azul and JetBlue, are phasing out E1 aircraft, while LOT Polish Airlines is set to transition to the A220, creating favourable market availability. For us, this represents an ideal opportunity. This type allows us not only to further increase frequencies, but also to sustain routes year-round. Given the strong seasonality in our network, such aircraft enable us to maintain most destinations during the winter season as well”.
On the A320s, Mr Marek added, “Introducing more A320s into service is part of Air Serbia’s continuous fleet renewal process. We are gradually replacing older A319 models with these aircraft, increasing the number of available seats and improving operational efficiency. Our goal is to develop the fleet in a long-term and planned manner, adapting its structure to market needs and the company’s future growth. We will continue to rely on Airbus aircraft, most likely the A320ceo, as we expect a number of these units to return to the market over the next few years at favourable prices”.
The carrier has also noted the need for an aircraft capable of bridging the capacity gap between its ATR 72-600 turboprops and Embraer jets. “For us, a 90-seat turboprop would be highly beneficial. Embraer was moving in that direction, but unfortunately discontinued the project, and that is precisely the segment we need. On many ATR-operated routes, load factors are already strong, but introducing a jet would result in a significant increase in operating costs. An aircraft in the 70- to 100-seat turboprop category would be an ideal solution for our network”, Air Serbia’s CEO said earlier this year.
Nice. When can we expect these planes? For next summer?
ReplyDeleteSeems that we will have them this year. For next year I expect more planes, due to Expo expansion
DeleteEXPO expansion makes sense to work with wet-leased aircraft.
DeleteWhen will they finally get A321's?
DeleteMakes sense only when number of A320s is at least 8.
DeleteIt would be reasonable to keep old 319 until end of Expo, and only then retire them. But this is probably not realistic idea as they would be limit by available crews, so wet lease is the way to go.
DeleteLet’s hope JU takes 3 Embraer E195 E2 from LOT as they retire, they would be perfect fit for a319 replacement
DeleteThis looks like a balanced fleet strategy: ATRs for regional routes, Embraers for thinner European services, A320s for major markets and A330s for long haul flights.
ReplyDeleteWhat tinner? they are sending E195 to Malaga, Barcelona, Palma etc..
DeleteWhere could we use an E195 with 118 seats instead of an A319 with 150 seats?
ReplyDeleteI think it's more about replacing ATRs on some routes. For example we see it deployed more and more on flights to Sarajevo, Tirana... I'm sure the E195 can replace A319 on some routes in winter when loads are lower.
DeleteWe will not. We have both plane types at the same time.
DeleteI thought the A319 have 144 seats at JU not 150?
DeleteA319 is configured in Y144, A320 in Y180.
Delete@10:09; @10:48 My mistake, I meant to round it. Sorry
DeleteFRA is a nice example where they replaced a daily A319 rotation in favour of 13 pw E195. Also BRU where 2 pw A319 is now 5 pw on the E190. ATH frequencies have also increased thanks to the Ejets, opening up new connections that were previously not possible. I see more of this happening next summer. DUS, BER, SPU and DBV going double daily for example.
DeleteA couple ATR routes are well ready for an increase in capacity however the A319 would be overkill. The midday OTP is now mostly on the Ejets, a couple flights to PRG as well. SJJ and DBV has almost entirely transitioned to the Ejets. PUY not only went daily this summer but also a couple rotations have gone to the E195.
The E195 is probably the most important aircraft in the fleet right now. It is large enough for major European destinations but not so large that routes become unprofitable during winter.
ReplyDeleteHopefully, the next step is gradually replacing the wet leases with Air Serbia-operated aircraft.
ReplyDeleteAnd cabin consistency. Passengers currently do not know what kind of seats or interior they will get because aircraft have come from so many different previous operators.
DeleteI am sure they are so worried about that. Me first..
DeleteCabin consistency matters only to passengers who are long haul frequent flyers. It could be just me but on flights that take between 1-3 hours I don't care whether it's Air Baltic A220, Air Serbia 319 or Bulgaria Air.
DeleteYou might not but most passengers do, that is why airlines invest millions and billions in their corporate image.
DeleteI prefer AirBaltic A220 and try to get it whenever possible. Absolutey the best JU has to offer at the moment.
Deletesorry but i do care. I hate it when i book one company and my flight is operated with some random like bulgaria air ...
Delete9:45
DeleteNo, you made that up. MOST of the passengers fly 1-2 times a year and they don’t remember last cabin layout and don’t bothet with that. Small percentage (3-5%) fly regularly and they may do care, but that’s very low on the list, after safety, punctuality, luggage capacity, frequencies, cabin crew behavior, cleanliness and leg space. Maybe, then comes cabin layout. So don’t bother spinning
With tickets prices up front, of course
Delete@09:57 you are but one person.
Delete@09:10
DeleteEven the largest airlines in the world with massive profits don't have cabin consistency. JU's cabin configuration except for 2 A330's and 2 ATR's have are consistent as well as the onboard service it provides and that is what matters at the end of the day.
With wet leases, JU has actively been involved with ensuring that flights are staffed with Serbian speaking crew members. With Bulgaria Air, the only difference for pax is the crew uniform and the aircraft livery, everything else is JU. With Air Baltic, they still don't have enough Serbian speaking crew however pax are loving the free wifi and the A220. When comparing last years Getjet A320's with this years Air Baltic A220's, it's undeniably been a massive upgrade for JU's pax.
The 90/100 seats segment has no more aircraft produced since years.
ReplyDeleteLatest was the CRJ900.
JU could take some second hand CRJ900 that LH will dispose. But honestly it wouldn't be an economically wise decision.
Not possible. They should simply add extra frequencies with ATR on that routes
DeleteWhat about the IL-114?
DeleteHopefully JU gradually move away from turbo props and provide better experience on regional and Italian routes.
DeleteWhat's wrong with the ATRs exactly? I find them fine and in good condition
DeleteATR is from a cost benefit aspect excellent. The fuel economy is the reason why it excels.
DeleteThe Three Ifs
DeleteIf the IL-114 performs as it says in the specifications and if the training is favorable and if the price is competitive, then it is worth considering.
No, it does not. It takes completely different type rating crews and different line maintenance. Economically not viable
Delete@12:40 joke right? Lol
DeleteInstead of leasing second hand scrap, why not invest in new Aircraft that will last 20-25 years?
ReplyDeleteDajes beskamatne kredite?
Delete@09:11
DeleteOlder planes usually have cheaper rental rates with leasing companies. Also, even if AirSerbia owned a plane (purchased - its own property), in the case of severe damage (engine failure, etc.), AirSerbia would have to either pay for repairs or write it off. ( scrapped )
In the case of leasing, they most likely pay a smaller 'compensation' and simply return the plane, while also getting another plane under 'the same conditions or a slightly higher price'.
**+
DeleteEven if engine problems occur now, they still have to pay, but not for the full repair.
Air Serbia has clearly found a good niche with second hand aircraft available at attractive prices. If the economics work and the aircraft are properly maintained, their age should not be an issue.
Delete@09:40 If I'm not mistaken, I think I even saw somewhere that AirSerbia pays for two/three A320s as much as CroatiaAirlines pays for one.
DeleteAir Serbia is paying one A330 as much as OU pays for one A220
DeleteNone of you know how much either airline is paying for any of their aircraft. It is a business secrete and rarely does an airline pay the same price for every single aircraft lease. However, you can see from the financial reports of both how much in total each airline is paying for leased aircraft. And in 2025, OU paid more than double.
Delete@10:00
DeleteThe director of ETF Airways said in an interview that a used plane is leased for 200–300 thousand per month (plus some extras), and for some models even per flight hour.
So we can assume that rents are higher (especially for a brand-new plane). For Croatia, the E195 would be more suitable – (lower rent, lower costs, easier pilot training, etc.).
Croatia would save in two areas with the A220 – (crew training, spare parts).
JU isn't the only airline sticking with the CEO's rather than going for the NEO's. AY for example is seeking more CEO's to replace older aircraft in their fleet.
DeleteJU simply isn't quite there financially to support new aircraft just yet. OU and Air Baltic are fantastic examples of what happens when you force a fleet modernisation without the financial backing. JU has a few places where they do need to invest their profits which would benefit them more than new aircraft.
That's good news
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of company looks to an opportunity to take second hand aircraft that all normal companies are changing for new and better. It’s like some Nigerian strategy in the heart ot Europe
ReplyDeleteA company with over 100 destinations that is profitable. Which, of course, makes you angry.
DeleteWell if they are that profitable then they could afford some newer planes, no?
DeleteTheir profitability is in the several tens of millions, which is not large. Ordering brand new aircraft at high prices which won't come for years could put a lot of financial stress on an airline. Just look at a nearby airline for reference.
DeleteYou can't look at a nearby airline for reference because said airline owns precisely 0 aircraft.
Delete@ 09:49
Delete+1
Almost no airline “owns” an aircraft. You have an option to lease a 20 year old aircraft and you have an option for a lease arrangement with a bank to get a new aircraft. Of course, leasing a new modern aircraft cost much more, but It’s not fair for the passengers to offer 20+ old aircraft ftom the second market, flown by who knows how many airlines, for the same price of a ticket. They are not offering discounts because they are getting used aircraft from South America - you pay the same price as you were flying a new aircraft from Air Baltic, Lufthansa, Swiss, Croatia or any other airline that doesn’t collect second hand aircraft around the world.
DeleteI stopped reading here, since it's not true
Delete"Almost no airline “owns” an aircraft"
I remember when Air Serbia didn't own aircraft the main comment was to write how it's terrible that they don't own aircraft. Now that they own their own aircraft, the new thing is to say how no one owns aircraft.
DeleteAir Serbia owns 3 very old A319 and nothing else.
DeleteThat is 3 more than 0.
DeleteJU have always had aircraft that it owned. An airline to be registered in Serbia must have a minimum of 2 owned aircraft to have an AOC. Up until they purchased the 3 A319's the ATR72-200's and B733's where owned by JU.
Delete@09:15
AY is taking on second hand A320CEO's to replace their own that are around 25 years old.
@09:46
They are profitable but not enough for factory fresh aircraft. Manufacturers don't give discounts for 1,2 or 5 frames but in larger purchases. JU's previous A320neo order was valued at over USD$1 billion at the time through a deal via EY that had a significantly larger negotiation power than todays JU. With current JU profits, it would take JU just over 28 years for that same order to be paid off.
That is not true. Air Serbia didn't own any aircraft between March 2023 (when last ATR -200 was retired) and January 2024 (when A319s were purchased).
DeleteThe -200 was officially withdrawn from the fleet in March 2023 but when was the -200 officially removed from the register? In 2023 they were still weighing the option in converting the remaining frames for cargo only ops.
DeleteSo they would have, with wet leases 42 aircraft?
ReplyDeleteYes, but I think another A319 will be retired this year.
DeleteNo, none are leaving this year from what I know but 2 are leaving next year.
Delete^ Thanks
DeleteDo you perhaps know which registrations?
DeleteThat would be extremely stupid. Next year there will be at least 30% more traffic due to Expo. Better postpone that for 2028
DeleteWe'll see after if you are correct :) i dont believe that for a second.
Delete@11:49
DeleteI believe these 2 are coming for this year. Expect a couple more aircraft next year. JU for the past few years has not had a net fleet growth of 0 and there is no reason to assume next year will be any different.
It's interesting that General Manager for People and Performance talking about fleet
ReplyDeleteWhen you are clutching at something to criticize. They asked her about fleet in an interview.
DeleteHe would be happier if there was no news. Crazy.
DeleteIt's interesting they still made no mentioned of their plans for the EXPO. Hopefully they boost significantly in comparison to this year during the May-August period and introduce new routes as well
ReplyDeleteThey have made numerous mentions of it. You just don't follow the news.
Deletehttps://www.exyuaviation.com/2026/01/air-serbia-prepares-for-very-dynamic.html
Deletehttps://www.exyuaviation.com/2026/03/air-serbia-targets-five-to-six-new.html
https://www.exyuaviation.com/2026/02/air-serbia-sets-sights-on-further.html
Idemo dalje...
ReplyDeleteMore aircraft are always welcome
ReplyDeleteAs far as I know an aircraft in the 70- to 100-seat turboprop category are the Bombardier Q400 and Embraer’s new 70 to 90 seat turboprop.
ReplyDeleteThe former one has lost battle to ATR big time, and the latter has been discontinued, as said by Mr. Marek.
DeleteAir Serbia is finally reaching a fleet size when they said they would consider making an order with the manufacturer.
ReplyDeleteYeah, and wait for them like 3-4 years. In the meantime, they will have to lease another 10-12 planes to keep growing. Bad business
DeleteShould have called you for advice.
DeleteGood point. As long as they keep growing, dats gud.
DeleteAny ideas from where these two planes are coming from?
ReplyDeleteNo A321 for Summer Capacity? With a single A321, you can handle more pax than with A320, charge less, load more ppl, make more money. Of course, no chance to get a long range A321, in that case they can cover even A330 in case of technical problems.
ReplyDeleteA321 would probably make sense during summer season, but it would struggle to fill seats during winter.
DeleteShould not be a problem to ATH, BCN, CDG, ZRH
DeleteThey aint getting a321s
DeleteATH and ZRH have transitioned quite a bit or almost entirely to the E195 in favour of more frequencies. If 180 seat A320's are not used on those routes they certainly wont use 240 seat A321's.
DeleteExtra capacity to CDG struggles every time JU has tried to do it. CDG needs a 3rd daily not a larger aircraft.
BCN is still mostly A319/A220 ops.
A321's for JU bring nothing other than problems in where to profitability send them.
A321 would be suicide for JU.
DeleteSo next year they will have more E195 than A319, if we count wet leases.
ReplyDeleteFrom the same person. Maybe not the same person, but from the same kitchen. Compare following comments with previous rants when Air Serbia is the topic, and it's easy to triangulate origin:
ReplyDelete-cabin consistency. Passengers currently do not know what kind of seats or interior they will get because aircraft have come from so many different previous operators.
-Instead of leasing second hand scrap, why not invest in new Aircraft that will last 20-25 years?
-What kind of company looks to an opportunity to take second hand aircraft that all normal companies are changing for new and better. It’s like some Nigerian strategy in the heart ot Europe
-It's interesting that General Manager for People and Performance talking about fleet
And the origin being?
Delete