Air Serbia
Serbia's flag carrier, headquartered in Belgrade and descended from the country's and former Yugoslavia's national airlines.
Last updated August 25, 2026
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Overview
Air Serbia is the flag carrier of Serbia and one of the principal air links between the Western Balkans and international markets. Headquartered in Belgrade, it operates its main hub at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport and provides scheduled passenger services, charter operations and air-cargo-related services. Its modern identity dates from 2013, when Jat Airways was renamed and rebranded as Air Serbia during a broad restructuring and modernization programme. The brand traces its institutional lineage to Aeroput, founded in 1927 as the first Serbian civil air-transport company. Aeroput developed Belgrade as its operating centre and connected cities within the Kingdom of Yugoslavia before and during the early development of regional commercial aviation. After the Second World War, the company was nationalized and renamed JAT Jugoslovenski Aerotransport. JAT became the national carrier of socialist Yugoslavia and later continued operating through the political and constitutional changes that followed the breakup of the country. In 2003, it adopted the name Jat Airways; after Montenegro became independent in 2006, it served as Serbia's national airline. Jat Airways suffered from an aging fleet, limited investment and weak financial performance, prompting the Serbian government to seek a strategic partner. On 1 August 2013, Etihad Airways agreed to acquire a 49 percent interest and receive management rights for five years, while the Serbian state retained 51 percent. The airline was subsequently reorganized and relaunched as Air Serbia in October 2013. Its new visual identity uses Serbia's red, blue and white national colours, Serbian medieval artistic references and a stylized double-headed eagle derived from the country's heraldic tradition. The rebranded airline expanded and modernized its network from Belgrade, with Europe as its core market and longer-distance links to North America and Asia. In June 2016, it inaugurated a nonstop Belgrade–New York service, restoring a direct connection between the former Yugoslav aviation system and the United States after the suspension of JAT's long-haul flights in the early 1990s. Air Serbia also developed ancillary and passenger-service initiatives, including a revised fare structure, upgraded narrow-body cabins and the Elevate onboard food-and-beverage concept. The company has also operated supporting businesses and brands. Aviolet was introduced in 2014 as a dedicated charter brand, mainly for seasonal leisure flying, but was later discontinued as charter activity was brought back under the Air Serbia operation. Air Serbia Catering, whose roots go back to the JAT era, prepares inflight meals for Air Serbia and other airlines serving Belgrade. A former ground-handling subsidiary, Air Serbia Ground Services, ceased operations in 2017, with its employees transferred to Belgrade Airport. Ownership changed after the Etihad partnership. The Serbian government increased its stake by purchasing shares from Etihad in 2020 and 2022, and the government announced in November 2023 that it had taken full control. Air Serbia remains an active national airline whose strategic importance extends beyond ticket sales: it supports Serbia's tourism, business travel, diaspora links, cargo connectivity and wider international transport infrastructure. Its continued service to Russia after Serbia did not join Western sanctions following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine generated political controversy and repeated bomb threats. In February 2024, an aircraft operating Air Serbia Flight 324 was seriously damaged during takeoff at Belgrade, after which the airline ended its wet-lease arrangement with the aircraft provider involved.
History
Air Serbia's institutional history begins with Aeroput, founded in 1927 as Serbia's first civil air-transport company. Belgrade served as its operational centre, and the company helped connect the Kingdom of Yugoslavia's cities while also developing international routes. Its first scheduled international service, launched in 1929, linked Belgrade with Zagreb, Graz and Vienna. During the 1930s, Aeroput expanded across Central and Southeastern Europe and carried passengers, mail and cargo. After the Second World War, the company was nationalized and renamed JAT Jugoslovenski Aerotransport in 1948. As the national carrier of Yugoslavia, JAT developed a substantial international network and operated aircraft largely sourced from Western manufacturers. It entered the jet age with the Sud Aviation Caravelle in 1963, followed by aircraft such as the McDonnell Douglas DC-9, Boeing 707, McDonnell Douglas DC-10 and Boeing 727. During the 1980s, JAT served destinations across Europe, North America, Asia and Australia and became one of Europe's larger airlines by network reach. It also established aviation-support capabilities in Belgrade, including maintenance and pilot-training facilities. The breakup of Yugoslavia disrupted this expansion. JAT became a public company in 1992 and continued as the carrier of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. In 2003, following the country's renaming as Serbia and Montenegro, the airline adopted the name Jat Airways. Montenegro's independence in 2006 left Jat Airways as Serbia's national carrier. However, the airline's aging fleet and insufficient investment weakened its financial position, leading the Serbian government to pursue a strategic partner. On 1 August 2013, Etihad Airways agreed to take a 49 percent interest in Jat Airways and receive management rights for five years, while Serbia retained a 51 percent controlling interest. The arrangement formed part of a restructuring and modernization programme. In October 2013, Jat Airways was renamed Air Serbia and introduced a new visual identity. The airline's livery uses Serbia's national colours and motifs associated with Serbian medieval art, while its tail logo is based on a stylized double-headed eagle. Air Serbia's post-2013 development centred on Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport and a network focused primarily on European destinations. It also pursued longer-haul growth. In October 2013, the newly branded carrier began service to Abu Dhabi, and in June 2016 it inaugurated nonstop flights from Belgrade to New York. The New York route restored a direct link to the United States after the suspension of JAT's long-haul network in the early 1990s. The airline undertook further commercial and operational changes in 2017 and 2018. These included a restructuring plan, standardized seating on Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft, a four-tier fare structure and the Elevate Deli & Bar buy-on-board service for short- and medium-haul flights. It also operated the Aviolet charter brand from 2014, although that brand was later discontinued. Air Serbia Catering, a business with roots in the JAT era, became an Air Serbia subsidiary and supplies inflight meals to Air Serbia and other airlines. Air Serbia Ground Services ceased operations in 2017, with its workforce transferred to Belgrade Airport. The ownership structure changed as Etihad reduced its involvement. Serbia purchased 31 percent from Etihad in December 2020, increasing its holding to 82 percent. A further purchase in September 2022 raised the state's reported share to 83.58 percent. In November 2023, the Serbian government announced that it had assumed full control of Air Serbia. The airline has faced controversy as well as expansion. Its continued flights to Russia after Serbia declined to join sanctions imposed following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine drew international scrutiny. Air Serbia also reported numerous bomb threats, which company officials attributed to actors attempting to disrupt Russia services. In February 2024, Air Serbia Flight 324, operated by a wet-leased Embraer 195, struck airport equipment during takeoff from Belgrade and returned safely despite serious aircraft damage. The airline ended its wet-lease arrangement with Marathon Airlines shortly afterward. In January 2025, Air Serbia opened direct Belgrade–Shanghai service, further extending its network into Asia.
- 2025
Direct Belgrade–Shanghai route opens
[1]Air Serbia inaugurates direct service between Belgrade and Shanghai.
- 2024
Flight 324 incident
[1]An Embraer 195 operating for Air Serbia is seriously damaged during takeoff from Belgrade but returns safely.
- 2023
State control becomes complete
[1]The Serbian government announces that it has taken full control of Air Serbia.
- 2020
Serbia increases its ownership
[1]The Serbian government purchases 31 percent from Etihad and raises its stake to 82 percent.
- 2016
Belgrade–New York service begins
[1]Air Serbia launches nonstop transatlantic service between Belgrade and New York.
- 2013
Air Serbia brand launched
[1]Jat Airways is reorganized and rebranded as Air Serbia after the Etihad strategic partnership.
- 2003
Jat Airways name adopted
[1]The airline changes its name from JAT to Jat Airways.
- 1992
JAT becomes a public company
[1]JAT continues operating as the national carrier of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia after becoming a public company.
- 1985
First European Boeing 737-300 operator
[1]JAT becomes the first European airline to operate the Boeing 737-300.
- 1963
Entry into the jet era
[1]JAT acquires the Sud Aviation Caravelle and begins jet operations.
Products and positioning
Serbia's national airline and a Belgrade-centered gateway connecting the Western Balkans with Europe and selected long-haul destinations.
Air transportation
Scheduled passenger flights
Scheduled passenger flying is Air Serbia's core offering. The network is centred on Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport and primarily serves European cities, with additional links to selected destinations in North America and Asia. The service supports point-to-point travel and connections through Belgrade.
Air transportation · 2014
Charter flights
Air Serbia operates charter services alongside its scheduled network, including seasonal leisure flying. From 2014, many charter flights were marketed under the Aviolet brand, but Aviolet was later discontinued and charter operations were brought under the Air Serbia name.
Air logistics
Air cargo services
Cargo activity complements Air Serbia's passenger operation by carrying goods through the airline's network and associated airport logistics. The service forms part of the carrier's broader role in Serbia's international transport infrastructure.
Passenger programme · 2018
Air Serbia Elevate
Elevate is Air Serbia's passenger-service and commercial platform associated with fare products, onboard services and customer benefits. The brand has been used for the airline's differentiated fare structure and its Deli & Bar onboard offering.
Aviation support services · 1967
Air Serbia Catering
Air Serbia Catering prepares and handles inflight meals for Air Serbia and other airlines operating to and from Belgrade. Its origins date to the JAT era, and it became part of Air Serbia in 2014.
Charter airline brand · 2014
Aviolet
Aviolet was Air Serbia's dedicated charter brand, introduced with Boeing 737-300 aircraft and used mainly for seasonal holiday flights. Its first branded flight operated in May 2014. The brand was discontinued as charter flying was absorbed into Air Serbia.
Controversies
2022
Russia services and bomb-threat controversy
Air Serbia continued flying to Russia after Serbia did not impose sanctions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The resulting geopolitical controversy was accompanied by numerous bomb threats against flights. Airline officials attributed the threats to foreign intelligence activity intended to disrupt the routes.
Marketing campaigns
- 2013Living Legends
Serbia · International network
Air Serbia introduced the Living Legends initiative to honour prominent Serbian citizens whose achievements had made a positive contribution domestically or internationally. Aircraft were named after figures including Nikola Tesla, Novak Djokovic, Vlade Divac, Dejan Stanković, Miki Manojlović and Goran Bregović.
Outcome. The initiative became a visible part of the airline's national identity and aircraft-naming practice.
Brand decisions
2025
Direct Belgrade–Shanghai routeProduct launchBackground
Air Serbia continued extending its network beyond Europe and sought stronger links between Serbia and Asian markets.
Action taken
The airline launched direct service between Belgrade and Shanghai, with the inaugural arrival at Shanghai Pudong International Airport on 11 January 2025.
Aftermath
The route strengthened Air Serbia's long-haul Asian presence and Serbia's direct air connection with China.
2024
Termination of Marathon Airlines wet leaseOtherBackground
An Embraer 195 wet-leased from Marathon Airlines was seriously damaged during takeoff while operating Air Serbia Flight 324 from Belgrade to Düsseldorf.
Action taken
After the aircraft returned safely, Air Serbia terminated its wet-lease contract with Marathon Airlines.
Aftermath
The incident led to the end of that aircraft-supply arrangement, although the flight returned without reported loss of life.
2023
Serbian state takes full controlM&ABackground
Serbia had progressively increased its holding by purchasing shares from Etihad in 2020 and 2022.
Action taken
The Serbian government announced that it had assumed full control of Air Serbia in November 2023.
Aftermath
Air Serbia returned to complete state ownership while continuing to operate as Serbia's national carrier.
2018
Four-tier fare structurePrice changeBackground
Air Serbia sought to make pricing more flexible and separate optional passenger benefits from the base fare.
Action taken
The airline introduced four fare categories with different combinations of baggage allowance, priority boarding, airport fast-track access, ticket-change rights and related benefits.
Aftermath
The model gave passengers more choice but also made the airline's offering more explicitly unbundled.
2018
Elevate Deli & Bar introducedProduct launchBackground
The airline revised its catering model on short- and medium-haul flights.
Action taken
Air Serbia replaced its previous short- and medium-haul inflight catering arrangement with a paid food-and-beverage menu, while long-haul passengers continued to receive complimentary meals.
Aftermath
The service expanded ancillary sales and differentiated onboard catering by route length and aircraft operation.
2017
Operational and commercial restructuringStrategyBackground
The airline pursued improved performance through changes to profitability management, sales distribution, pricing and onboard services.
Action taken
Air Serbia introduced new sales channels and ancillary-service measures and refitted its Airbus A319 and A320 fleet with standardized Recaro seating.
Aftermath
The cabin refit increased seating capacity and supported a more standardized narrow-body product.
2016
Launch of nonstop Belgrade–New York serviceProduct launchBackground
Air Serbia sought to rebuild long-haul connectivity associated with the former Yugoslav national carrier.
Action taken
The airline introduced nonstop flights between Belgrade and New York using a leased Airbus A330-200.
Aftermath
The route became the airline's principal transatlantic service and restored a direct Serbia–United States connection.
2013
Strategic partnership with Etihad AirwaysStrategyBackground
Jat Airways faced an aging fleet, limited investment and poor financial performance, leading Serbia to seek an external strategic partner.
Action taken
Etihad agreed to acquire a 49 percent interest and management rights for five years, while Serbia retained 51 percent. Jat Airways was reorganized and renamed Air Serbia.
Aftermath
The transaction provided the framework for a new brand identity, operational restructuring and network modernization.
Recent events
Reported
Air Serbia announces six new international routes for 2027[3]
Air Serbia announced six new international routes for 2027: Miami, Helsinki, Yerevan, Cluj-Napoca, Chișinău and Menorca. Ticket sales are open, and the routes are scheduled to enter service on different dates in 2027.
Reported
Air Serbia inaugurates Belgrade–Niš service[4]
Air Serbia inaugurated flights between Belgrade and Niš, its first domestic operation since its 2013 rebrand.
Reported
Air Serbia launches Kraljevo–Thessaloniki flights[5]
Air Serbia inaugurated flights between Kraljevo and Thessaloniki. The seasonal service is scheduled to operate once a week on Tuesdays.
- Unconfirmed
Reported
Turkish Airlines and Air Serbia sign codeshare agreement[6]
Turkish Airlines and Air Serbia signed a codeshare agreement covering routes in Turkey, Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The agreement was to begin with the Belgrade–Istanbul route on 15 August, with expansion to more routes planned for the near future.
Reported
Air Serbia launches its first mobile application[7]
Air Serbia launched its first mobile application, initially available through Google Play, with features including check-in, passport scanning and boarding-pass downloads.
Sources7 sources
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