Igor Salinger/BELGRADE
Serbia's fledgling government has imposed a new general manager (GM) and chief executive at state-owned JAT Yugoslav Airlines as part of its clear-out of key figures appointed under the ousted Milosevic regime.
JAT's order for eight Airbus A319 aircraft could also be at risk as the new administration ponders funding commitments and opens up communications with Boeing.
Dusan Kostic, who becomes acting GM, replacing Mihajilo Vujinovic, was previously commercial manager, having been elevated to the position from JAT's Brussels office at the time the new regime came to power last October. Another change sees Milenko Nikic, formerly of charter carrier Aviogenex, become JAT's executive director.
Vujinovic - himself appointed GM only last April after the assassination of Zika Petrovic - confirmed before his departure that JAT executives had visited Seattle and "reaffirmed" that Boeing would remain an "important partner". All but three of its aircraft are Boeing/McDonnell Douglas types.
JAT's Airbus order was made during US sanctions, but with Boeing 737s now available, the European manufacturer may have some way to go to close the deal. Vujinovic says JAT has already invested $23 million in the Airbus purchase.
Source: Flight International
