newstodate.aero

May 27, 2019 (newstodate): The Slovenian carrier Adria Airways' new Managing Director since May 1, 2019, Sven Kukemelk, brings in high-flying ambitions to boost the carrier that almost went bust only six months ago.
   In an interview with the online media exyuaviation, Mr Kukemelk reveals his thoughts that over the coming years the airline should more than double its fleet, and build a strategy of turning Ljubljana Joze Pucnik Airport into a transfer point between the Balkans and Western Europe.
   The plan builds on the expectation of increasing the fleet over a 10-year period to some 40-50 aircraft, compared to the current fleet comprising 20 aircraft of four different types.
   Visions for turning Ljubljana Airport into a regional hub will face stiff competition from another carrier, Air Serbia that is currently flexing its muscles after a successful turn-around with financial and operational support from Etihad Airways - and now operating a fleet of 23 aircraft.
   In 2018, Serbia's Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport handled a total of 5.6 mio passengers, while Ljubljana Joze Pucnik Airport saw 1.8 mio pax passing through its gates.