The national air carrier of the United Arab Emirates Etihad Airways and the Serbia’s Jat Airways will sign an agreement on strategic partnership.
Etihad Airways announced that the deal would be signed on August 1 in Belgrade.
On behalf of the Serbian government, First Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić should sign the document, the company announced.
Following the signing, a press conference will be held at Belgrade’s Hyatt hotel, at which further details about the arrangement will be presented, Tanjug has reported.
On June 17, Etihad, Jat Airways, and the Serbian government signed a Memorandum of Understanding, allowing for the possibility of Etihad’s investment in Jat Airways to be explored.
Etihad CEO James Hogan stated at the time that the company was not going for a possible strategic partnership with Jat Airways because “it likes to buy the airlines” – but in order to achieve commercial results, adding that the Serbian carrier “can be successful.”
“As we have demonstrated with our minority equity investments in other airlines, significant savings can be achieved through joint initiatives, which include the training of pilots and crews, fuel, insurance, as well as agreements on procurement and maintenance of the common types of engines,” said Etihad’s CEO
Citing reasons for the company’s interest in Jat Airways, he pointed out that Serbia has a branched diaspora and tourism, rich history and an excellent position in the Balkans, along with “good business opportunities.”
Source B92
