Air Serbia marks an important milestone: 93 years of tradition

Air Serbia, as the successor of the first national airline, Aeroput, is marking 93 years since its founding on 17 June 1927.

Air Transport Company Aeroput JSC was Yugoslavia’s first joint-stock company in the civilian air transport sector, which later transformed into Jugoslovenski Aerotransport, and then into Air Serbia. The first director of Aeroput, and also the person most responsible for its founding in spite of numerous challenges, was Tadija Sondermajer, elite Serbian army pilot and aeronautical engineer.

First official flight was conducted on 15 February 1928, from Belgrade to Zagreb, and during the peak of Aeroput company’s development, its airplanes flew into all directions – north to Budapest, Brno and Prague, west to Venice and Milan, south to Tirana and east to Bucharest and Sofia. In its fleet, Aeroput had passenger aircraft that were of the highest category at the time.

"The challenging period during which we are marking this major and special milestone additionally highlights the importance of nurturing tradition. Only on strong foundations of a long and rich history could we have built a strong company that is able to overcome obstacles and proudly take off after an unplanned landing. Inspired by our predecessor Aeroput, which was counted among the most reputable companies in Europe since its founding, we will strive to keep and justify the role of regional leader in the aviation industry even during these uncertain times," Air Serbia CEO Duncan Naysmith stated.

As a successor to Aeroput, Air Serbia is the eighth oldest airline in the world that is still in business.