TCN revealed back in January that ETF Airways, a new Croatian start-up registered in November last year, had plans to launch operations in 2021 with charter flights from the Adriatic coast to destinations around Europe.
“ETF Airways is a new Croatian charter carrier that wants to improve the connectivity of Adriatic coastal cities with European and other destinations. At this point, we are looking for new members of our flying family,” ETF said back then.
While we weren’t exactly sure of the start date then, ETF had begun the hiring process for cabin crew, meaning it was only a matter of time.
According to Ex Yu Aviation, that time is April. The aviation portal reported that after the delivery of its first Boeing 737-800 next month, leased from AerCap, ETF could launch in April if all permits are acquired.
ETF will focus mainly on servicing the competitive Croatian coast during the summer months, with a network of destinations, including Dubrovnik, Pula, Split, and Zadar, to airports in France, Germany, and the UK.
Ex Yu Aviation adds that the new carrier’s fleet should contain two B737s this summer, and if all goes to plan, three jets early next year and up to seven aircraft in 2025. Since ETF will have Croatian registration, it will be able to fly within the EU. Now that the airline has completed its hiring process, it is searching for partners, ACMI companies and brokers, and the like.
The new start-up has been well received in Croatia thus far, and Ex Yu Aviation adds that private investors and investment funds in the country support the airline.
ETF investor, Deputy President of the Supervisory Board, and economic analyst Velimir Šonje said:
“ETF does not aim to become a big scheduled carrier. Our main goal is to utilize the opportunities which we expect in the coming years through charters and similar arrangement, primarily on the EU market, through flexible and reliable service”.
He added that there will be many opportunities in the post-COVID world.
You can find more about ETF Airways here.
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