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Air Traffic in Serbia 2 0 1 5
AIR TRAFFIC
Dynamic Growth Imminent
Just over 101 years ago, on 1st January 1914, to be precise, the first commercial flight was launched with a single passenger, who flew over Tampa, Florida, for New Year. The flight lasted exactly 23 minutes
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BY: PREDRAG K. VUJOVIĆ
obody could have predicted at the time of the first ever commercial flight that today, just 101 years later, air traffic would be prevalent in almost every economy in the world. In the late 19th century it was rail that had been the driving force behind the industrial revolution. In the early 20th century, however, rail passed the baton on to the automobile industry and from the second half of the 20th century until today it is air traffic that has been the key factor of economic globalisation. Today air traffic serves as a link between markets, states, regions and continents, exerting huge influence with increasingly dynamic passenger, goods and mail movements be-
worth a total exceeding a third of the total value of all international trade. Financial results achieved by civil aviation last year totalled global revenue of approximately $710 billion, with total profit standing at two per cent, or $13 billion. This just proves that aviation is based on a large number principles and continuous investment, particularly in new resources that primarily improve efficiency and safety, ensuring further development. Today there are around 1,400 airlines around the world, possessing a combined total of over 25,000 passenger and freight aircraft. These airlines fly to and from over 4,000 international airports, with a total of 173 air navigation service providers working
tween different economic subjects. It also contributes to the development of tourism, facilitating the faster and freer movement of goods and people, connecting remote cultures and boosting the global employment rate. In 2014 more than 3.3 billion passengers were transported by air worldwide. At the same time, over 50 million tonnes of different goods were transported along 50,000 global aviation routes. Planes transported goods
to ensure these flights are successful. Approximately 100,000 flights take place every day, with close to nine million passengers transported. Professional analyses show that by 2031 air traffic will have grown by 4.7% annually and 60% of all flights will be between Europe and North America. Moreover, experts also claim that by 2031 the number of transported passengers will have exceeded 7.5 billion and there will be around 32,550 airlin-
Experts claim that by 2031 the number of transported passengers will have exceeded 7.5 billion and there will be around 32,550 airliners in operation, representing a rise of 110% compared to today's statistics
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ers in operation, representing a rise of 110% compared to today's statistics. Despite such intense development and increased air traffic volume, it is a proven fact that flying is still the safest mode of transport. In 2013 there were a total of 36.4 million commercial flights and only 16 fatal accidents. Aircrafts, standards, procedures, airport equipment and navigation devices, are all improved on a daily basis, while flight personnel are trained continuously, which in combination provides excellent results in terms of flight safety. Strong competition among airlines has led to average ticket prices falling, which has in turn made it easier for travellers to pick the optimal mode of transport. The emergence of low cost carriers (LLC) has had a dramatic impact on passenger movements at secondary and tertiary airports. The share of LLCs in total passenger transport today exceeds 15%, while forecasts predict that this will grow to 20% in the following eight to ten years. The philosophy of low operating costs, established by LLCs, has rubbed off onto 'mainstream' airlines, making it increasingly difficult to make a clear distinction between the two. The battle for every single passenger, and every Dollar or Euro, has become a ruthless war in which passengers have the most to gain. Today the provision of as many direct and frequent flights as possible has become an imperative. Punctuality and safety are a must. The kindness
and affability of airline personnel, both on (check-in) and off ground, has become an essential factor for aspiring airlines. The inflight service is actually not as important as it once was, while making tickets as affordable as possible for as many passengers as possible has become the most important element. The notion that flying is not a luxury has become an actualised reality and a market fact. Everybody agrees that the dynamic growth of air traffic, and the potential for further growth in passenger number, has not yet been exhausted. In addition to business passengers and tourists, the number of so-called leisure passengers, taking advantage of airlines for pure pleasure and fun, is also on the up. These are dynamic and imaginative people who, thanks to affordable prices and suitable flight schedules, often travel to other cities or countries just to see a theatre play or an opera, attend a football match or simply visit friends. Another growing category is socalled ethnic passengers. According to a UN report, over 230 million people do not live in their town or country of birth. Workforce migration from undeveloped and emerging to developed countries and cities has created an army of potential passengers who mainly use air transport. Ticket prices will also continue to play a crucial role in this segment. All of these factors point to further, more dynamic development of
the airline industry and air traffic in general. Aircraft manufacturers have been following these trends closely and adjusting their production activities to suit the needs of the world market. They have started to produce low noise engines that emit fewer exhaust gases and use less fuel. Aircraft interiors have been adjusted to suit
never been better. The airline industry currently employs over 56 million people worldwide and has an annual turnover of over $2.2 trillion. According to a study conducted by economic experts from Oxford University, published by ATAG (Air Transport Action Group), the importance attached
the needs of airlines, which adapt in turn to further suit the needs of their passengers. The latest flight entertainment systems are being installed, while utilising mobile phones and internet inflight is no longer sporadic and incidental. On-board comfort has
to the airline industry is so great (considering the millions of employees and its significance to the global economy) that if we were to express this importance in the form of the economy of an imaginary country it would be ranked 19th worldwide in GDP terms.
Thanks to affordable prices and suitable flight schedules, dynamic and imaginative people often travel to other cities or countries just to see a theatre play or an opera, attend a football match or simply visit friends
Limuzin servis Exclusive is company specialized for transportation services with middle and high class vehicles. We provide transportation services around the Europe and Serbia and we also offer transfers from Belgrade Airport to hotels and back. Our company has a Cooperation agreement with many hotels in Belgrade and we also offer renting vehicles, accompanied by English-speaking drivers for hotel guests. We offer rent-a-car service as well (renting vehicles without drivers), from cheapest vehicles to middle-class vehicles. LIMUZIN SERVIS EXCLUSIVE Bulevar Mihaila Pupina 10 e V.P. 63 • 11070 Belgrade, Serbia +381 11 313 25 58 • +381 63 270 067 office@exclusiv.rs • www.limobelgrade.rs
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Superior Offer for Sophisticated Travellers ĐORĐE VUKOTIĆ
GENERAL MANAGER FOR SERBIA AT ETIHAD AIRWAYS
Etihad Airways distinguishes itself from the competition by offering the most superb First Class service and setting new norms in the industry by matching them to the hospitality standards of the world’s leading hotels and restaurants
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tihad’s efforts to introduce world class hospitality standards to its First and Business Class categories have been recognised by travel and aviation trade industry bodies around the world. In this interview Đorđe Vukotić, Etihad Airways general manager for Serbia, provides details about the new level of service the company offers its customers.
You recently announced the up-
coming launch of a new Airbus A380 service for guests travelling along the popular route between Abu Dhabi and New York, as of 1st December 2015. The special Residence by Etihad™ service will be offered to passengers between these two cities, representing a completely new level of service for demand-
double bed with custom-made mattress, bedside unit, wardrobe, 27-inch flat screen TV and under-bed storage for hand luggage. The en suite bathroom has a full-height shower, exclusive toiletries and vanity unit complete with a magnifying make-up mirror and a hairdryer. The Residence is fully Wi-Fi enabled and equipped with the latest Panasonic eX3 entertainment system, controlled by video touch screen and handset. Guests staying in The Residence will have a dedicated butler on call throughout the flight, offering the type of discrete personal service and attention to detail normally found only at the world’s most exclusive hotels. A dedicated VIP Concierge team will also ensure all aspects of the experience, including booking luxury limousine
With a living room, separate double bedroom and en suite shower, The Residence by Etihad™ is the only three-room suite in the sky ing travellers. What does this service consist of? - With a living room, separate double bedroom and en suite shower, Residence by Etihad™ is the only threeroom suite in the sky. The living room is furnished with a luxurious Poltrona Frau double-seat leather sofa with ottoman, two dining tables, a chilled minibar and a 32-inch flat screen TV. The bedroom features a Poltrona Frau upholstered 82-inch
transfers, check-in, and dining, are handled with the utmost discretion. An inflight chef will prepare meals from a range of gourmet menu options, or even recreate a guest’s favourite dish.
Besides the Residence, what makes Etihad’s Business Class and First Class services stand out from the competition? - We have placed world-class hospitality standards at every touch point in
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the journey, benchmarked against the world’s leading hotels and restaurants. Our First Class and Business Class products and service have been recognised by travel and aviation trade industry bodies around the world. In October 2014 Etihad Airways won the ‘Best Up In The Air Experience’ award, as well as the ‘Airline of the Year - First Class’ award at the 13th Annual China Travel & Meeting Industry Awards in September 2014. The airline was also named ‘Aviation and Transport Company of the Year’ at the Gulf Business Industry Awards in Dubai, and Travel Trade Ga-
zette’s ‘Airline of The Year’ in the UK. Etihad Airways’ First Class dining experience features elegant new chinaware by famous Japanese fine bone china producer Nikko, as well as designer ‘Royal Oak’ cutlery by the quintessentially British brand Studio William. Fine wines from Etihad Airways’ on-board cellar are served in red and white stemmed crystal glasses created especially for the airline by Lucaris. First Class dining includes a new contemporary menu design, an enhanced selection of canapés, a predessert course served by the chef, a ‘Café Gourmand’ coffee and tea course accompanied by mini cookies, cakes and pastries, as well as a signature XO Cognac served in new Cognac glasses by Norman of Copenhagen. Each First Class suite includes luxurious throws and cushions which reflect the colour palette of the new interiors being introduced by the airline, beginning with the Airbus A380 and Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The First Class turn-down service is accompanied by a ‘Sweet Dreams’ card, an accompaniment to the all-natural bed linen, pillow mist and pulse point oil. We are especially proud of our First Class in the A380, the only Etihad Airways aircraft to offer the First Apartment, which is a complete living space with a reclining lounge chair and an ottoman that opens up to become a separate 80.5-inch fully-flat bed. The First Suite on the Etihad Airways B787 offers guests an enhanced suite with a chilled mini-bar, complete privacy and centre seats which can be joined to create a double bed. In Business Class, a new turndown service is offered on ultra-longhaul flights, featuring a mattress, cotton loungewear and slippers. A plush comforter and full size pillow are now also provided. The popular ‘Dine Anytime’ option remains, with an ‘All Day’ menu now offered on longer flights. Stylish new trays, chinaware, cutlery and tall, stemmed wine glasses add to the sense of sophistication and flair for which the airline is renowned.
AIR SERBIA
Superior Experience for Business Class Guests Unlike many European airlines that have eliminated the concept of a dedicated business class cabin across their short- and medium-haul routes, Air Serbia offers Business Class guests comfort, style, privacy and quality that are hard to rival
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ir Serbia has taken a bold step among the continent’s airlines by delivering comfort, style, privacy and quality in premium class travel across the European Skies. Unlike its competitors - which barely distinguish the two inflight products on short- and medium-haul services, Air Serbia has exerted great efforts to ensure Business Class travel is a genuine and distinct travel experience, and not merely an empty middle seat in the forward section of an aircraft. The airline has equipped its mainline fleet with dedicated leather Business Class seats, which offers guests ample personal space for maximum inflight productivity and relaxation. The airline provides iPads for personal inflight entertainment (IFE) on its long-haul flights, offering the latest blockbusters and audio content. Its rich menus offer some of the finest
ling on Air Serbia’s mainline services will soon be able to enjoy inflight internet connectivity (Wi-Fi and mobile services), and hours of exciting IFE content distributed wirelessly to their tablets or smartphone devices. With a product that is second to none on the continent, Air Serbia Business Class guests feel the genuine cordiality provided by the airline’s multilingual crew – the pride of Air Serbia on every flight and across its expanding network. Generally, European airlines have eliminated the concept of a dedicated business class cabin across their short- and medium-haul routes. While this move has provided carriers with greater flexibility and commercial choice, it has come at a distinct disadvantage to Business Class travellers who, despite their fare premiums, are left well short of a superior travel experience.
gourmet cuisine in the sky, accompanied by a choice of expertly selected Serbian wines, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. To further enhance its premium product, Air Serbia will soon be offering a new, stateof-the-art Business Class Lounge at Belgrade’s Nikola Tesla Airport, providing guests with tranquillity and luxury well before they step aboard. However, the Serbian national carrier’s efforts do not end there – all guests travel-
The philosophy of AirSerbia is that Business Class is a signature product that personalises and elevates the entire journey, while meeting and exceeding even the highest expectations – and that is precisely what the airline has implemented across its mainline fleet. Air Serbia has resurrected the pleasure of premium travel in Europe by providing each of its valued guests with the finest inflight products and services step on board and you will understand why.
To further enhance its premium product, Air Serbia will soon be offering a new, state-ofthe-art Business Class Lounge at Belgrade’s Nikola Tesla Airport, providing guests with tranquillity and luxury well before they step aboard
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TURKISH AIRLINES
Striving for More and Better
Following the motto "Widen Your World", Turkish Airlines is constantly increasing flight frequencies and establishing new destinations, as well as providing a superb service for passengers
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stablished in 1933 with a fleet of just five aircraft, Turkish Airlines, a member of Star Alliance, is today a 4-star airline that was declared “Best airline in Europe” in 2014 for the fourth consecutive year. It has a fleet of 265 (passenger and cargo) aircraft that fly to 267 destinations worldwide. With a network that includes destinations in 108 countries, Turkish Airlines is the airline flying to the most countries in the world. Following the motto “Widen Your World“, it is constantly increasing flight frequencies and establishing new destinations, in order to enable passengers to widen their world and explore new horizons. In 2015 Turkish Airlines is launching routes to Manila, Tai Pei, San
lounge Istanbul, which is bigger than some airports. Located at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport, it sprawls over an area of 5,900m2 and has the capacity to cater for over 1,000 guests. The facility includes a children’s playground, library, billiard area, playroom, teleconference section, shower space and massage beds. The lounge combines both modern and traditional design, a space able to provide traditional hospitality in a setting that offers modern conveniences, like free Wi-Fi access throughout the lounge. The spiral staircase connects the two sections of the lounge and its design represents the connectivity Turkish Airlines provides to its customers all over the globe. Turkish Corporate Club is a cor-
Francisco, Abuja, Bamako, Ahvaz, Porto, Bari, Cologne, Graz and Karlsruhe. With two daily flights from Belgrade, Turkish Airlines offers great connectivity for passengers from Serbia to worldwide destinations, offering passengers flexibility and excellent connections via Istanbul to not only the Middle East, Far East and Africa, but also to all American and most European destinations. Turkish Airlines is proud of its CIP
porate travel programme that allows passengers to save on all business travel expenses. It offers a wide variety of cost-effective advantages for corporations looking to meet their needs quickly and easily, such as discounts for all international travel, no penalties for reservation changes and special baggage allowances for discounted tickets. Turkish cuisine is known as one of the best in the world. Turkish Airlines
With its two daily flights from Belgrade, Turkish Airlines offers passengers excellent connections via Istanbul to the Middle East, Far East, Africa, and all American and most European destinations
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has taken this quite seriously – through a partnership with Austrian gourmet entertainment company Do&Co resulting in awards for “Best Business Class Inflight Catering” and “Best Business Class Lounge Dining” at the 2014 Skytrax World Airline Awards. The World Airline Awards and some delectable premium class meals have also led to the birth of the Flying Chef. One of the most impressive initiatives introduced by Turkish Airlines, back in July 2010, is the Flying Chef for Business Class passengers on-board all long haul flights. One might think that it’s a small galley in an aircraft and the role for the chef might be limited, but in reality it makes a significant impact on the passengers’ dining experience. They will not only ensure that every meal is served correctly, but also be involved in overseeing the inflight cooking process. This service resulted in Turkish Airlines receiving an award for best business class catering. Turkish Airlines today offers the world’s most comprehensive network and aims to bring the passenger experience to a new level with its expanded fleet, via its Istanbul hub that allows one-stop connections between virtually any two cities on the planet, and the rich cultural heritage that has helped form the basis of its awardwinning service. Turkish Airlines "Widens Your World" and “flies you to more flavours than any other airline”.
Atlantic Joint Venture
All together more simplicity, choice and value Our Atlantic Joint Venture offers you more simplicity, choice and value on transatlantic services between Europe, India, the Middle East, Russia and Africa, with travel to or from the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Central America.
Welcome to a world of difference with the Atlantic Joint Venture Canada, the Lufthansa Group and United. Simplicity
It couldn’t be simpler – our Atlantic Joint Venture helps you to provide your customers with better services. One fare allows you to book multiple airlines and a single contract covers all the Atlantic Joint Venture carriers. You’ll enjoy dealing with just one point of contact. There is also coordinated passenger service between Atlantic Joint Venture interline ticketing and baggage transfer.
Seamless combinability, seamless service
Choice
Working in co-operation enables the Atlantic Joint Venture to offer greater benefits across an extensive transatlantic network, with competitive fares, products and services. There are over 748 destinations combined with a greater choice of non-stop and direct routings. Our Atlantic Joint Venture offers a larger inventory of seats, a wider variety of cabin classes and inflight products, and the ability to tailor itineraries to suit your customer’s needs.
Value
Atlantic Joint Venture efficiencies provide co-ordinated, competitive discounts for your customers – without any compromise to service. As well as the wide variety of flights and routings available, travellers can enjoy the benefits of a harmonised lounge network and reciprocal frequent flyer programmes.
One joint venture, exceptionally delivered
More routes, more choice
All together more scope with over 748 destinations making the world of difference to you and your customers
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* The Lufthansa Group consists of: Lufthansa German Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines Inc., Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines.
Return flights Belgrade - Split
To the Adriatic in an hour! Flights will be operated on Saturdays from 2 May 2015 and on Mondays and Fridays from 29 May 2015.
Croatia Airlines - more than a comfortable flight!
croatiaairlines.com
+385 1 66 76 555