Decision time

The tale of Jat’s fleet renewal continues

Jat Airways’ management board will, most probably, meet during the week to make a final decision whether the airline should lease two Airbus A319s or two Boeing B737-700s. The management board has already ordered the CEO to begin procedures for the lease of new aircraft and requested for the airline’s planning department to choose the aircraft type that would best serve Jat’s needs. The department had selected the Boeing B737-700, but it seems that there is a shortage of these aircraft on the market at an affordable price (official explanation from the airline). This is why the board is now looking at Airbus aircraft. Furthermore, if Jat leases the aircraft directly from Airbus’ leasing company, the problem of the 8 A319s ordered 12 years ago could finally begin to be solved. Jat’s CEO, Srdjan Radovanović, has already suggested that the Airbus jets are frontrunners in the race.

Once the aircraft type is chosen Jat will begin tender procedures and interested parties can place their price offer for the aircraft they wish to lease to the Serbian carrier. The tender commission will then choose the best offer, Radovanović told the “Tanjug” newsagency. The new aircraft should be in the airline’s fleet by January.

Whether the abovementioned will occur remains to be seen. Talk of leasing 2 Boeing B737-700s has been ongoing for the past 2 years.