Air Serbia is set to expand its fleet by gradually adding more Embraer aircraft in the future, with plans to potentially operate up to fifteen jets of the type. The carrier is due to introduce its first two 118-seat E195s in September. Speaking to EX-YU Aviation News, Air Serbia’s CEO, Jiri Marek, said, “Our market study shows that we can accommodate around fifteen of them, however, it will be a gradual introduction. The main constraint for quicker implementation will be the pilot training program. There are a sufficient number of applicants for first officers, however, it is a new aircraft type in our fleet, and they will need a certain number of hours and experience before they are considered for upgrading to the captain’s position. We are gradually introducing the cadet program for all aircraft types”.
Air Serbia is working with the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer to integrate the new aircraft type into its fleet. “Since this is a new aircraft type, we are also working closer with Embraer on how we can bridge this period. This is an aircraft type which will now be targeted to grow the fleet. The Airbus A320 and the Embraer will now be the aircraft that will be in focus for us”, Mr Marek explained. Asked over the initial delay in adding the first two E195s to the fleet, which are already in Belgrade, the CEO noted, “The main issue is aircraft documentation and administration procedures around it. However, we are now in the final stages”.
This April, Air Serbia began wet-leasing two 108-seat Bulgaria Air E190 jets. Mr Marek has confirmed the pair will continue operating on behalf of the Serbian carrier this coming winter season. “We will continue to work with them [Bulgaria Air] over the winter because it’s the perfect aircraft type and the economics for that operation proves that it fits our needs. It is an interesting synergy because they are transitioning to the A220 aircraft, so, for them, the Embraers are on the way out. Therefore, there are synergies as to how we can find an economically beneficial win-win situation with their operations”. The wet-lease cooperation between Bulgaria Air and Air Serbia has been very stable, with positive feedback from customers. “We believe this is a good option to bridge the period before we can get sufficient pilots for our own Embraer operations”, Mr Marek concluded.
