Air Serbia, the national airline of Serbia, successfully put the first Embraer E195 aircraft it operates into scheduled service on October 23, 2024, signaling its intention to expand and increase the flexibility of its fleet.
The 16-year-old leased aircraft, registered YU-ATB, completed its first flights between Belgrade and the Montenegrin cities of Tivat and Podgorica that day. With this new addition, a 118-seat jet, Air Serbia is beginning a gradual introduction of Embraer aircraft, which are expected to supplement the fleet in larger numbers in the medium term.
However, the road to the E195's entry into service was not without hurdles. The introduction of this aircraft type was originally planned for June 2024, but was delayed by regulatory and administrative delays. The jet had already been in storage for over a year before it could enter active service after the necessary adjustments and approval by the aviation authorities. The Embraer E195, a regional jet divided into both business and economy class cabins, is intended to be used on short and medium-haul routes in order to increase the flexibility of the fleet and to be able to respond better to market demand.
CEO Jiri Marek told EX-YU Aviation News that Air Serbia expects strong demand in the smaller jet segment and plans to have a fleet plan that includes up to 15 Embraer jets in the medium term. This figure comes from comprehensive market analyses that indicate the need for a more flexible fleet. Particularly suitable for routes with lower passenger volumes, the Embraer E195 ideally complements the fleet's existing Airbus and ATR aircraft. However, according to Marek, expanding to this aircraft size will pose challenges. In particular, the pilot training program will require time and resources, as special training is required for this aircraft type. The opportunity to be promoted to captain requires a certain number of flight hours and experience with the E195.
A key element of Air Serbia's fleet strategy is the recently introduced cadet program. Through this program, the airline aims to meet the need for qualified personnel and expand pilot training capacity. The program is offered for all aircraft types and enables young pilots to specialize in the fleet and gain the necessary experience. This initiative helps to ensure that Air Serbia does not have to fear any shortages in personnel despite the introduction of a new aircraft type and has well-trained pilots in the long term.
With this expansion of its fleet, Air Serbia is an example of the strategy of many European airlines that are responding to market changes. Regional jets such as the Embraer E195 offer a cost-effective and efficient solution for creating flexible flight connections for smaller and less frequented routes. These models are preferred by airlines that want to optimize operating costs on the one hand and dynamically expand their route network on the other in order to respond to seasonal fluctuations and the changing needs of travelers.
With the planned introduction of a second Embraer E195 by the end of November 2024 and long-term fleet expansions, Air Serbia is willing to serve the growing demand for direct connections in the Balkans and Central Europe region, while securing a stronger position in regional air traffic. The strategy could prove to be a decisive competitive advantage, as smaller aircraft will enable the airline to efficiently expand its route network and enter new markets in Southern and Eastern Europe without having to rely on high load factors.