Jat makes another fleet promise

More ATRs to join the fleet

The acting CEO of Jat Airways, Vladimir Ognjenović, has told Radio Television of Serbia that the carrier will purchase 2 ATR72-500 aircraft in January 2012 in order to strengthen its regional fleet, currently made up of 4 ATR72-200s. He says that routes in the former Yugoslavia are made profitable when using this aircraft even with only 10 passengers onboard. He believes that by introducing newer generation ATR aircraft, the airline’s fleet will become more efficient. “The ATRs that we have now and the ATR72-500s that we plan to introduce into the fleet next year are extremely efficient for our regional market”, Ognjenović said. Jat has seen a big spike in bookings on regional flights for the upcoming summer months.

The ATR72-500 has the capacity to seat between 68 and 74 passengers. Jat currently operates the ATR72-200 model while in the early 1990s the airline also used ATR42s. Jat also hopes to finalise an outstanding order for 8 Airbus A319 jets, by refining the 13 year old agreement. Some have suggested the agreement could be finalised next month when Serbian President, Boris Tadić, visits France.

Meanwhile, the Serbian Ministry for Infrastructure has announced that Jat will be privatised by the end of the year. There are continual conflicting messages amongst members of the Serbian Government in regards to Jat’s future.