Austrian and Jat unite

No easy ride for Niki

Austrian and Jat Airways have united forces in order to protect their monopoly on the Vienna – Belgrade – Vienna service which they have held for years. The 2 will face tough competition from the Austrian based low cost Niki, which will begin services from Vienna to Belgrade on February 1. Austrian has negotiated with Jat and decided to launch 4 extra weekly services. The airline’s new flights will depart from Vienna in the evening and depart from Belgrade at 4.40 in the morning. However, Jat is negotiating to shift the departure time from Belgrade to a more suitable morning hour. Jat Airways will code share on all 4 additional flights.

On the other hand, Jat Airways will increase capacity on services to Vienna. The airline will upgrade 4 of its weekly flights from an ATR72 to a Boeing B737-300. Austrian will also codeshare on these flights.

The 2 airlines will have 31 weekly flights from Belgrade to Vienna from February 1, 2010 when the extra frequencies commence. Austrian and Jat are hoping to extinguish the competition they face from Niki. A return ticket with Austrian/Jat will set passengers back 107 Euros including all taxes.

Meanwhile, Romania’s TAROM will begin services from Bucharest to Belgrade soon. Jat Airways will codeshare on the service.