In the Press Center of the Government of the Republic of Montenegro, a press conference was held where the Minister of Tourism in the Government of the Republic of Montenegro Mr. Predrag Nenezic, and the President of Montenegro Airlines Dr Zoran Djurisic addressed the numerous journalists. The conference was dedicated to the joint activities of the Ministry of Tourism and Montenegro Airlines related to the approaching season and development plans.

The Minister emphasized that the Ministry of Tourism is exceptionally satisfied with the cooperation with Montenegro Airlines. During the last year Montenegro Airlines has significantly contributed to the very successful tourist season. The number of transported passengers is impressive and represents a significant figure in total tourist offer.

The Minister has also emphasized that, apart from the current cooperation, he is satisfied with the reactions of tourists regarding the accuracy and service in Montenegro Airlines planes, as well as the achieved load factor of 72%, which was the highest in the region, much higher than the load factor of other airlines, such as Adria, Jat Airways, Croatia Airlines, Olimpic etc.

Regarding the arrival of low-cost carriers, the Minister said that the Government considered this possibility. He also stated that the arrival of low-cost carriers is a trend, which is unstoppable and which proved to be justified in relation to tourism. The tourists are given the opportunity to visit Montenegro at lower costs, and Montenegrin citizens to travel to destinations on which the national carrier does not operate. The work group has been made, composed of the representatives of JP Aerodromi Crne Gore, Montenegro Airlines, Ministry of Tourism,Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Transportation. As the Minister stated, the interest of Montenegro Airlines will be entirely protected. The markets that Montenegro Airlines has been developing for a decade will not be given to low-cost carriers. The topic of discussions will be the destinations such as Scandinavia, England, etc. As the Minister has announced the completion of the procedure of the arrival of low-cost carriers is expected by the end of this year, and in addition to Montenegro Airlines' very convenient tariffs on destinations it operates, the citizens of Montenegro will be also offered the convenient tariffs and destinations of other carriers. The Minister stated that low-cost carriers will be required to fly during the whole year, not only during the season, and, also, to clearly present their tariff policy.

The President of the company also addressed the present journalists, expressing pleasure for the just verified positive financial results of the company. The verification was done by Montrev, a company authorized for the audit of financial statements, confirming that in 2005 the total income amounted 42.796.277 EUR, total expense 42.745.648 EUR and realized profit 50.593 EUR. The President emphasized that Montenegro Airlines is ready to give support and contribution to the development of Montenegrin tourism, as it has done so far. During the forthcoming season there will be more than 350 foreign charter flights intended for tourists, which confirms that Montenegro Airlines is completely ready to meet the demands of tourist economy of Montenegro. Regarding the possible arrival of low-cost carriers, Montenegro Airlines' attitude is clearly defined. The arrival of low-cost companies is not called into question, but not from the destinations on which Montenegro Airlines operates, because it has been developing these destinations for a decade.

Also, low-cost carriers should not have any privileges, but the same treatment as the national airline. This is the condition of a loyal market competition. For years, Montenegro Airlines has been operating in the environment of strong competition of other national carriers in this market (JAT Airways, Adria Airways, Austrian Airlines, Malev, etc.), and during the season as many as 30 international airlines have charter flights for Montenegro. Therefore, Montenegro Airlines operates very well in the market of loyal competition, which is proved by the results of its operations. The President has also pointed out that the presence of low-cost carriers should not be of ad hoc character and short term. If they really want to invest in the development of this market, they should be obliged for a long-term operations to this destination and to present a detailed tariff policy.