SERBIA: Air Serbia Takes Delivery Of Its First A330

Air Serbia has taken delivery of its first Airbus A330, which will be deployed in its forthcoming five-weekly Belgrade-New York service, set to start next June 23, thus reconnecting Serbia and the United States with a direct air service for the first time in 24 years.

The aircraft, (A6-EYC / MSN 885) arrived yesterday at the airline’s base at Nikola Tesla Airport in Belgrade, where it was greeted by the customary water cannon salute, together with a delegation of airline representatives.

Onboard the historic flight commanded by Captain Davor Mišeljić, Chief Operations Officer of Air Serbia, there was a group of VIP stakeholders led by Siniša Mali, Chairman of Air Serbia, who highlighted that the milestone was “massive for both the airline and the country.

“Watching our newly-painted Airbus A330 land at its new home in Belgrade for the very first time was a proud moment for us all, showing that Air Serbia is continuing to invest in the future of the airline and Serbia itself,” Mali said.

The arrival of the A330 to Air Serbia is the latest step to modernize the airline, which now largely relies on Airbus aircraft as the core of its fleet. The airline, now 49 per cent owned by Etihad Airways, operates 10 A320 family aircraft and a half a dozen of ATR 72s for its regional operations.

After its arrival at Belgrade, the aircraft will receive is permanent Serbian Registration (to be YU-ARA), and it will be ferried to Abu Dhabi for a final cabin outfitting. The aircraft will be configured with 18 business and 236 economy class seats.

“In the coming weeks the aircraft will be completely refurbished with new Business and Economy cabins which, coupled with our fantastic service offering, will provide guests with an unparalleled travel experience over the Atlantic,“ Dane Kondić, Chief Executive Officer of Air Serbia said in a statement.