Air Serbia, a notable player in the airline industry, is looking to expand its long-haul network, particularly in the US and China. Known for bridging connections between these two powerful nations, the airline has recently rejuvenated its fleet with several Airbus A330s. Following the suspension of one of its Chinese routes towards the end of 2022, the additional capacity provides an opportunity for growth in a booming market.
The airline is now focused on strengthening its existing routes during the busy summer season, with Miami as a new target destination for future flights. In a recent interview with Business Focus, Air Serbia’s CEO, Jiří Marek, expressed optimism about the airline’s trajectory. He noted that the demand for flights to the US has significantly increased and highlighted the importance of their diaspora, which drives much of the traffic for their NYC and Chicago routes.
“Historically, our US flights have been driven by diaspora demand from the former Yugoslavia,” said Marek. He continued, “Post-COVID, they have also grown in popularity with tourists from both sides. Now, we are expanding connectivity through a codeshare with JetBlue and cooperation with American Airlines, extending our network beyond New York and Chicago to the rest of the US.”
Recent data from the US Department of Transport indicates robust passenger numbers on the Belgrade to New York JFK route, with around 81,000 roundtrip passengers and a noteworthy load factor of 86%. However, numbers for the Chicago route remain unavailable but are also expected to show strong performance.
Marek identified Miami as the next logical step, noting that it is the largest unserved US destination for Air Serbia, trailing only New York and Chicago in passenger demand. According to the OAG Traffic Analyzer, nearly 17,000 roundtrip travelers flew between Miami and Belgrade over the year leading up to July 2024, underscoring the potential for a successful route.
In addition to Miami, the airline is contemplating launching a route to Toronto, though the seasonal fluctuations and reliance on diaspora may lead to instability compared to the more consistent demands of JFK or Chicago. Marek pointed out that these cities also exhibit stronger cargo potential, an essential factor in the airline’s operations.
Air Serbia’s commitment to growth is supported by its recent partnership with JetBlue, which involves a current codeshare agreement that facilitates air travel between the US and Europe. JetBlue has placed its B6 code on Air Serbia flights to Belgrade from both New York and Chicago, while Air Serbia can now add its code on 25 destinations throughout the JetBlue network.
The collaboration expanded last year to include additional medium-haul connections from Belgrade to major cities like Amsterdam, Athens, Larnaca, and Paris. However, it is the partnership with American Airlines that Marek deems more significant. Air Serbia’s relationship with American Airlines was broadened in early 2023 to facilitate connections beyond Chicago with the introduction of its new route from Belgrade.
This strategic expansion included access to Miami, complementing existing codesharing on flights from New York. As shown in recent updates, the expansion of connections continues to enhance Air Serbia’s presence and performance in the North American markets.
Currently, Air Serbia operates a modest fleet of four Airbus A330-200s. The addition of two widebody aircraft this year has allowed the airline to bolster its network capacity and frequency while catering to cargo demand, a crucial aspect of long-haul operations.
Marek emphasized the importance of cargo transport in sustaining long-haul routes. “As a small regional airline, we rely on partnerships to expand our reach while utilizing belly cargo capacity beneath the passenger deck. Strong trade ties between Serbia and the US benefit our cargo operations, and the free trade agreement with China further enhances opportunities in both directions,” he stated.
As it stands, Air Serbia operates to only four long-haul destinations, having previously suspended flights to Tianjin while recently initiating a service to Shanghai. With planned improvements and expansions, the airline is positioned to cement its status as a pivotal link between Europe and North America, particularly as it navigates the complexities of a post-COVID travel landscape. The upcoming summer season will be a critical time for Air Serbia as it seeks to fulfil its aspirations of connecting more travelers and boosting cargo capacity.
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