Air Serbia today inaugurated flights from Belgrade to the Albanian capital Tirana, following a six year absence. Passengers on the inaugural flight, which was operated by an Airbus A319, included members of the Serbian government, the Albanian ambassador to Serbia, officials from the city of Belgrade, Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport and the Serbian Civil Aviation Directorate. Upon arrival in Tirana, a ceremony was held at Mother Teresa Airport, which was attended by members of the Albanian government and the Serbian ambassador to Tirana. There were 63 passengers on the service to the Albanian capital and 91 passengers on the return flight to Belgrade.
Commenting on the launch, Air Serbia’s CEO, Dane Kondić, said, “The re-introduction of services to Tirana benefits the more than two million Albanian diaspora in Europe with increased travel options and connectivity over our Belgrade hub to their homeland. The route will also further contribute to the growth of Albania’s inbound tourism”. Air Serbia’s recently elected Chairman of the Board, as well as Belgrade mayor, Siniša Mali, added, “The new service reinforces the significant progress Air Serbia is making with its operation and network expansion. In less than a year, our national airline has managed to re-connect the region and position itself as the leading carrier in the Balkans”. Suela Keri, Chief Financial Officer at Tirana Airport, said, “We are delighted to welcome Air Serbia as our newest airline partner and I am confident they will receive a very warm welcome from passengers. This new route will provide the opportunity for further development of economic ties between our two countries. It is a winning combination”.
As EX-YU Aviation News learns, the new flights, which will operate three times per week with the following schedule, have been selling extremely well, especially with passengers transiting through Belgrade and continuing onwards on to other flights.
Source Balkans
