New aircraft in 2012

More flights - less routes

The new acting CEO of Jat Airways, Vladimir Ognjenović, has given his first interview to a major Serbian newspaper. Ognjenović said that Jat will not be receiving any new aircraft until 2012. “Unfortunately there is no chance that we will be receiving new aircraft next season. In 2011 we will be operating with 13 aircraft. However, in 2012, Jat should take delivery of its first new planes. That’s why a new agreement with Airbus is paramount”, Ognjenović told the “Večernje novosti” newspaper.

Ognjenović noted that Jat has spent 29.5 million Euros out of the 51.5 million Euro loan the airline secured late last year. “Under the watchful eye of the government we have covered all debt towards our suppliers and partners such a Jat Tehnika and Jat Catering”, Ognjenović said. The catchphrase for the new management will be “cost cutting”. The past 2 managements, particularly the one led by Ognjenović and Saša Vlaisavljević were strongly criticised for their cost cutting which led to a range of problems. However, Ognjenović remains confident that the airline will, in the next 6 months, save millions by terminating unprofitable routes, increasing frequencies and making a rational fleet plan.

Jat will not be privatised in 2011 and it is unlikely that the airline will be sold in 2012. The government is yet to decide whether it will create a new Jat or leave the airline as is. The consultancy firm Deloitte will make that decision by the end of the year based on analysis and results. Yesterday, Jat launched a promotional ticket campaign as a way of luring passengers to its flights in face of mounting competition from low cost airline Wizz Air.