10th ATR72-600: Air Serbia Completes its Fleet Upgrade

An Air Serbia ATR72-600 on the tarmac.
Photo Credit: Air Serbia

Air Serbia, the national carrier of Serbia, has achieved a significant milestone with the arrival of its tenth ATR 72-600 aircraft at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport.

June 14 saw the arrival of the new ATR 72-600 regional twin turboprop with registration number YU-ASC.

This latest addition marks the successful culmination of a regional fleet modernization initiative. The airline originally began its renewal program in January 2022.

About Air Serbia

Established in 2013, Air Serbia has quickly grown to become a prominent airline in Southeast Europe.

It operates a hub-and-spoke network centered at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport, connecting passengers to destinations across Europe and beyond.

The airline boasts a modern fleet consisting of Airbus A319, A320, A330, and now, a fully modernized regional fleet of ATR 72-600s.

Air Serbia is committed to providing passengers with a comfortable and efficient travel experience. The airline has also played an instrumental role in promoting Serbia as a tourist and business destination.

ATR 72-600: Modern Addition to Air Serbia Fleet

The decision to replace Air Serbia’s older ATR 72-200 and ATR 72-500 models with the ATR 72-600 reflects the airline’s commitment to continuous improvement.

This advanced turboprop aircraft offers several advantages:

  • Enhanced Passenger Comfort: The ATR 72-600 features a 72-seat Geven Prestige configuration, designed to provide passengers with a more spacious and comfortable cabin experience.
  • Improved Operational Efficiency: The aircraft is equipped with two PW127M turboprop engines, known for their fuel efficiency and reliability. This translates to cost savings for the airline and a more environmentally friendly operation.
  • Modern Technology: The ATR 72-600 incorporates cutting-edge avionics and navigation systems, ensuring smooth and safe flight operations.
  • Standardized Fleet: The acquisition of ten identical ATR 72-600s allows Air Serbia to streamline maintenance procedures and crew training, further enhancing operational efficiency.

A Commitment to Modernization

Jiri Marek, CEO of Air Serbia, expressed his satisfaction with the project’s completion. “The renewal of the turbo-prop fleet was a key objective for our company.”

“We’re proud to have acquired ten ATR 72-600s, standardizing our fleet and boasting the youngest regional aircraft in the Western Balkans with an average age of just nine years.”

The meticulous acquisition schedule throughout 2022, 2023, and 2024 demonstrates Air Serbia’s dedication to this initiative.

Each aircraft underwent a rigorous handover and technical inspection process in Toulouse, France, before joining the active fleet.

Enhanced Connectivity and Passenger Experience

The arrival of the ATR 72-600 fleet significantly expands Air Serbia’s regional network. These aircraft operate on various routes throughout Europe, connecting Belgrade to destinations like Bologna, Bari, Budapest, Krakow, Ljubljana, and many more.

They also play a vital role in serving international routes from Niš and Kraljevo, offering passengers increased connectivity to key cities within the region.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Air Serbia

The completion of the regional fleet modernization program signifies a significant step forward for Air Serbia.

With a young and efficient fleet, the airline is well-positioned to continue its growth trajectory, offering passengers a more comfortable and sustainable travel experience.

This investment also strengthens Air Serbia’s role as a key player in the aviation industry of Southeast Europe. It will further support the development of regional tourism and business opportunities.


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By Len Varley - Assistant Editor 4 Min Read
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