New development era of Montenegro Airlines – fleet expansion, acquisition of “Embraer 195” aircraft
Podgorica, 23 July – On the occasion of official signing of the Agreement on operational lease of “Embraer 195” aircraft type between the companies “Montenegro Airlines” and “GECAS”, a renowned US-Irish lessor company, a press conference was held.
Dr Zoran Djurisic, President of Montenegro Airlines Board of Directors, Mr. Felix Mc Ardle, Vice President of “GECAS“ company and Mr. Petar Glomazic, Montenegro Airlines CEO Deputy, spoke at the press conference.
During the press conference, a short video was played, regarding the technical characteristics and general features of the new Embraer family of commercial aircraft called E-jets, among which the type E195, which will be introduced in the fleet of Montenegro Airlines, is the largest one. This is a modern and economical aircraft designed for the needs of 21 century.
The President of Montenegro Airlines Board of Directors stated: “By signing this Agreement, Montenegro Airlines begins a new era in its operations. The engagement of “Embraer 195” represents a new strategic concept and development of the company.” Mr. Djurisic also said that the Embraers, in strategical terms, will enable the conquerring of new markets, bearing in mind, primarily, Russia, UK and Scandinavia. This eight-year “dry-lease” agreement involves new aircraft. The delivery of the first one is expected in May 2008, while the delivery of the second aircraft is scheduled for May 2009. the decision about the engagement of the new aircraft was preceded by extensive and complex research and analytical studies of the company's management and departments, and they were susatined and highly appreciated by the Board of directors, as well as by the representatives of the Governement of the Republic of Montenegro.
Mr. Felix Mc Ardle, Vice President of GECAS, expressed open pleasure for the partnership with Montenegro Airlines: “We are very pleased that Montenegro Airlines will modernize their fleet by engaging these powerful aircraft. We believe in Montenegro Aircraft and their further expansion and conquerring new markets.”
Mr. Petar Glomazic, Montenegro Airlines CEO Deputy, also spoke at the press conference. Mr. Glomazic gave technical explanation of the characteristics of these modern aircraft, comparing them with Airbus and Boeing, and added: “We planned to open new destinations in the following year, to which “Embraer 195” will operate. In 2009, we plan further increase of the traffic, towards more distant destinations, which were unaccessible with Fokkers, which will lead to the necessity to employ another aircraft of the same type”.
Embraer 195” aircraft type represent the generation of modern airplanes which mark the new period in the commercial aviation. With most up-to-date technical-technological solutions and ultra-modern interior, they, indeed, represent “the state of art” of technology and are reasonably named the aircraft of 21st century. The family of Embraer's E-jets, which ranges between 80 to 120 passenger seat capacity so far has no competition in the world. Owing to its sophisticated technology, extraordinary performances and exploitation economics, these aircraft will dominate the regional air transport in the world.
The main characteristics of the “Embraer” family aircraft: - economics in exploitation – lower maintenance costs – flight range of 2100 nm – extraordinary comfortable passenger cabin – greater space for hand and checked in baggage, etc. The engagement of “Embraer 195”, strategically speaking, from Montenegro Airlines aspect, will mark the new development era and conquering of more distant markets. Their acquisition will represent the development of network of destinations, where aircraft with flight range of more than 3000 km. These airplanes, in terms of enterior, will have two clearly separated classes and 116 comfortable seats. “GECAS“ (General Electric Commercial Aviation Services Limited) is a highly renowned American-Irish company engaged in purchase and lease of the aircraft. “GECAS“ is the owner of around 1800 aircraft operating in 70 countries throughout the world, in the fleets of the largest world airlines, such as British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, Al Italia, American Airlines, United Airlines, Air Canada, etc. Lufthansa shall have 30 “Embraer” aircraft type by the year 2009, while the american low cost carrier “Flybe” has in its fleet and order already a three-digit number of these aircraft.
The signing of this Agreement was preceeded by the strict financial control and assessment of Montenegro Airlines by “GECAS” company. In this process the financial stability of Montenegro Airlines and its sustainable development policy were recognized, which in the end resulted in conclusion of such agreement. This once again confirmed that Montenegro Airlines represents a leading airline in the region.
