29 May 2014 15:00
Air Serbia, the national airline of Serbia, has announced significantly improved performance in the first three months of the year with a 66 per cent increase in total passenger numbers to 364,924, compared with the same period in 2013. The airline’s passenger carrying capacity, which is measured by available seat kilometres (ASKs), has jumped 93 per cent resulting in a 47 per cent increase in revenue during the first quarter of 2014.
Over the same
quarter, Air Serbia inducted three Airbus aircraft – two A319s and one A320 -
into its fleet.
The
increase in passenger numbers is being seen across the network, boosted by
connectivity with the Etihad Airways global network.
The Chief
Executive Officer of Air Serbia, Mr Dane Kondić, said: “Air Serbia has built a
solid foundation in the six months since it was launched and is on track to
break-even in 2014.
“The
improved passenger numbers and revenue reflects the growing appeal of the
airline for leisure and business travel across the Balkan region and beyond.
“In
addition to strong growth in passenger revenue, we are also growing very
important cargo revenue, which provides more stability to the revenue base of
the business.”
Cargo
tonnage increased 46 per cent to 175 tons in the first three months compared
with the same period last year, as the network expanded, reliability improved
and the cargo capability has been marketed effectively to customers.
Cargo
comprises general cargo items, perishables, including exports of local Serbian
cheese, as well as spare industrial parts and electronics.
“The
improved performance of Air Serbia shows our strategy to grow the business
based on strong governance, a modern fleet, a growing and connected network,
and a commitment to our guests to be the best, is working,” Mr Kondić said.
“Our
focus is on providing value, convenience and comfort. We are listening to our
guests about what they want and in doing so, we are steadily growing demand.”
In the first quarter, Air Serbia launched new routes
to Sofia (Bulgaria) and Budapest (Hungary). These two routes bring the current Air Serbia network to 34
Euro-Mediterranean destinations serviced directly from its hub at Belgrade’s Nikola Tesla International
Airport. More destinations will be launched over the
remainder of the year.
Air
Serbia has also negotiated a series of codeshare agreements, which are helping
to build passenger numbers and revenue. Up to the end of March, Air Serbia has
expanded codeshare agreements with Etihad Airways, airberlin, Tarom, Adria
Airways and BH Airlines.
The daily
flights between Belgrade and Abu Dhabi, by both Air Serbia and Etihad Airways, are
boosting demand for the Air Serbia network beyond Belgrade.
In the
first three months of 2014, Etihad Airways finalised new codeshare agreements
on Air Serbia flights from Belgrade to: Amsterdam, Stockholm, Banja Luka,
Milan, Dusseldorf, Stuttgart, Frankfurt and Berlin.
Air
Serbia has improved its selling and distribution capabilities by establishing
commercial ticketing agreements with Etihad Regional, operated by Darwin
Airline, Jet Airways, Bulgaria Air, Ukraine International Airlines and STA Travel,
the world’s largest travel company for students and young adults. Air Serbia
also established commercial relationships with major global online travel agents,
including Expedia and Last Minute.
Mr Kondić
said that the Government of Serbia and Etihad Airways were supportive
shareholders and partners, who are contributing to the success of Air Serbia in
different ways and together are powerful drivers for success.
“The
Government of Serbia is monitoring our progress closely and providing
assistance and advice where needed and where appropriate.
“I have no doubt that we
will be the leading airline in the
region and our success will have a very positive impact on Belgrade’s Nikola
Tesla Airport, as it aims to become the region’s key air transport hub,” Mr
Kondić said.