Air Montenegro’s new CEO, Mark Anžur, who formerly managed carriers such as Adria Airways and Stobart Air, has said the airline will soon begin drafting its ten-year development strategy and is planning to grow its route network and fleet, as well as become an IATA member. Speaking to the “Vijesti” daily, Mr Anžur said, “Following detailed analysis of the market, additional information on the current organisational and technical structure, the workforce and other resources, we will start work on the company’s long-term development strategy for the coming ten-year period. The strategy will include, among others, so-called ‘self-standing’ operations, with the aim of taking up an important position on the market, achieving good financial indicators, profitability, and commercial viability”. In 2022, Air Montenegro was Montenegro’s second largest airline, handling 359.383 passengers to Air Serbia’s 388.329 travellers.

Commenting on the development of the airline’s network, Mr Anžue said, “We will follow national interests in connecting Montenegro with as many destinations as possible, which are of importance to the state, tourist industry and the entire economy, strategic partners, the citizens of Montenegro and of course our clients”. He added, “Due to insufficient demand over the winter season, for now it is not viable to launch new routes during this time of year. However, in respect to the Montenegrin government’s strategic decision to turn the country into a year-round tourist destination, we will work on expanding our network where economically viable”.

Air Montenegro has been hindered by its lack of membership in IATA because of ongoing legal processes with the country’s former and defunct national carrier Montenegro Airlines. Consequently, Air Montenegro has no codeshare partnerships and is unable to have any transfer passengers as it cannot sell connecting flights. “We have launched the process for obtaining a new IATA designator code which is a precondition to establishing codeshare and other agreement on an international level”, the CEO said. The Montenegrin flag carrier currently operates two of its own Embraer E195 aircraft and wet-leases two other jets, an Airbus A320 and an E190. The Montenegrin government has purchased a third E195 for the airline, formerly operated by Montenegro Airlines, however, it requires significant funds in order to be able to safely return into service, after being grounded for several years. “If funds are secured to invest into the aircraft, we at Air Montenegro will return the jet into operation based on the principles of economic sustainability and profitability in accordance with our commercial plans in the coming period”, Mr Anžur concluded. Air Montenegro expects to handle over half a million passengers this year.