Air Serbia says this is the most passengers it has carried in a single month since October 2013, when it commenced operations under its own name. This represents an increase of 47% on July 2021 passenger levels when the airline transported 276,191 people and is up 9% on pre-pandemic levels.
Air Serbia expects that the number of its passengers in July this year will make up over 55 percent of the total number of passengers who travelled via Airport Nikola Tesla Belgrade.
“The results we achieved in July are a good indicator that we made correct and timely business decisions when it comes to scheduling for this summer season. Here I primarily mean the strategic launching of new routes to tourist destinations, including those in Italy and Spain, which were most popular among passengers in the summer season. This result is also a consequence of additional growth of charter traffic by approximately 37% this season, compared to 2019. We will continue to keep a close eye on market demands, and boost our capacities on most popular routes in our network and we are certain that the stable growth trend will continue in the coming months”, said Boško Rupić, General Manager Commercial and Strategy.
Attractive summer destinations are seeing a big uptick in passenger numbers compared to July last year, and traffic has grown by 172% to Barcelona, 133% to Larnaca, 128% to Dubrovnik and 62% to Athens. Belgrade-Madrid route, which was suspended last year because of the pandemic, immediately upon renewal reached the 2019 levels. There is big demand year-round for destinations like London, which has seen a 151% growth in passenger numbers, Zurich with 87% growth, Istanbul with 43%, Berlin with 40% and New York with 27%. Increased mobility of diaspora from European cities towards the region is followed by growth on regional routes, as Sarajevo has seen growth of 67%, Skopje 71%, Ljubljana 35% and Zagreb 52%, compared to last year.
Like many airlines around the world, Air Serbia is currently recruiting for cabin crew members to help it cope with increased demand following the recent health crisis. “This summer we have witnessed the recovery of air passenger transport and passenger numbers are approaching pre-pandemic levels. In order to maintain the regularity of flights and uphold the quality of service at the highest level, and also to be ready for the announced expansion of transoceanic, Euro-Mediterranean and regional destinations, it is necessary to expand our team with new cabin crew members. Like in previous years, we are expecting a great response and interest from colleagues with experience in air transport, hospitality, but also those who are young and have no experience, but wish to enter this extremely dynamic and vibrant industry which offers many opportunities. We are prepared to give them all an opportunity for further professional growth in a company recognized as one of the best employers in Serbia,” said Milica Netković, GM People and Performance, Air Serbia.
During the selection process, the candidates will undergo specially designed tests and exercises in order to meet the highest work standards cultivated at the company. The necessary criteria which will be used to rank candidates include a high level of fluency in English, readiness to help passengers, and demonstrated motivation and desire to become a member of the national airline’s team.