European Union (EU) airlines are expected to take advantage of a new flight ban imposed on Yugoslavian carriers operating to EU destinations as part of the recent economic sanctions against Belgrade following its military actions against the civil population in Kosovo.
Lufthansa has replaced 130-seat Boeing 737-300s normally used on Belgrade services with 190-seat Airbus A321s, to meet demand.
The airline has also been accepting passengers with JAT tickets on its flights to Belgrade. Other carriers are expected to follow, although most are reluctant to declare their plans publicly.
The ban was first put in place in early September. The UK, which was late to comply with the EU ban, quoting obligations under the its bilateral aviation treaty with Yugoslavia, fell into line on 16 September.
Continuing demand on routes to Belgrade is illustrated by JAT's use of a McDonnell Douglas (MDC) DC-10-30 on services to Zurich, Switzerland, normally operated by a 737-300.
The EU ban calls into question JAT's fleet modernisation and expansion plans, which include the purchase of eight Airbus A319s. The aircraft would replace eight ageing Boeing 727-200Advs and five MDC DC-9-30s.
Financing for the A319s was secured this year from a consortium of Yugoslav banks. Whether the funding will remain in place depends on the impact of EU sanctions on JAT.
Source: Flight International
