Major Balkan Agreement: Bulgaria Air to Operate for Neighboring Airline with 4 Aircraft Over Next Two Years

Strengthening Decade-Long Collaboration. The national airlines of Bulgaria and Serbia have announced they would deepen their long-standing collaboration. Bulgaria Air and Air Serbia have signed a new ACMI contract, under which the former will provide the Serbian carrier with four Embraer 190 aircraft for the next two years, covering four full flight seasons. This is the third contract between the two companies since 2024, representing a natural continuation of a partnership that has been ongoing for over a decade.

The official signing of the contract took place in Belgrade, in the presence of management representatives. Hristo Todorov, Chairman of Bulgaria Air and Maria Stoyanova, General Manager of Charter and Aircraft Leasing represented the Bulgarian side. On behalf of Air Serbia, CEO Jiří Marek, Boško Rupić, Commercial and Strategy Manager, and Bojan Arandjelović, Head of Network Planning and Scheduling, took part.

Air Serbia. Photo: shutterstock

Four Aircraft in Air Serbia's Fleet With Bulgaria's Crew, Service, and Logo

The four aircraft will continue to perform flights as part of Air Serbia's regular route network under flight code JU. The Embraer 190 planes come configured with 8 business class seats and 100 economy class seats, offering both operational flexibility for short and medium-haul flights and a high level of comfort for passengers.

Despite their operation within Air Serbia, the crews will continue to wear uniforms in the colors of the Bulgarian flag, and maintenance will be carried out in Sofia, as has been the case in previous collaborations between the companies.

A Decade of Connection, Starting with the 2014 Codeshare to Expanding ACMI Agreements

The cooperation between the national carriers began in 2014 when the companies signed a codeshare agreement on the Belgrade-Sofia route, stabilizing the air link between the two capitals. In the decade since, the relationship has expanded, and now the new agreement consolidates the long-term partnership while also addressing seasonal demands on Air Serbia's routes.

The continuation of the agreement strengthens the development of the air bridge between the two countries and positions both companies as key players in the Balkan region, while maintaining Bulgaria Air's capabilities, fleet, and crews within Air Serbia's operations.