Air Serbia is currently evaluating the potential for establishing its own Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) system as the airline anticipates expanding its fleet to 32 aircraft by 2026.
MRO refers to facilities dedicated to aircraft maintenance, ensuring the proper functioning of an airline’s fleet.
Air Serbia’s CEO, Jirzi Marek, told Aviation Week Network, “This year, we are placing a significant emphasis on the MRO project. Our focus is on progressing in this direction. We expect to make a decision within the next three months on whether to build our own hangar for line and base maintenance.”
According to reports, the project will involve adding aircraft parking spaces at the airport and building a hangar large enough to accommodate Air Serbia’s Airbus A330 aircraft.
Marek added that while the MRO project will likely be a collaborative effort, there are still several options under consideration. He emphasized that it is too early to disclose further details.
Currently, Air Serbia outsources its base maintenance to various providers across Europe, including Turkish Technic in Istanbul, Atitech in Naples, Aero Technic BG in Sofia, and JAT Technic in Belgrade.
Two years ago, Air Serbia announced a joint venture with Turkish Technic to build an MRO center at Belgrade’s Nikola Tesla Airport, as reported by the Polish aviation portal Rynek Lotniczy.
As of now, Air Serbia’s fleet comprises 10 Airbus A319s, four Airbus A330-200s, three A320s, 10 ATR 72-600s, and two Embraer E195s. The airline is close to finalizing a letter of intent for two more Embraers, with deliveries expected in the fourth quarter. Additionally, Air Serbia has signed a letter of intent for an Airbus A320ceo, which will be delivered during the upcoming winter season, and is in talks for two more A320 aircraft.
