Miami Dade Aviation Department’s Director for Marketing and Air Service Development, Emir Pineda, held another round of discussions with Air Serbia in Belgrade last week over the carrier’s planned introduction of flights to the US city. Speaking to broadcaster “RTS” following the talks, Mr Pineda said an agreement between the two sides is within reach. “We have been working on this effort for two years now. These discussions have been progressing very well. We are very close to starting cooperation with Air Serbia and, hopefully, by the end of the year or early next year, we will be able to announce flights between Belgrade and Miami”.
According to Mr Pineda, the Serbian carrier would initially launch two to three weekly flights. “The discussions we have had concern two to three flights per week. Initially, we expect two weekly flights to be launched, which would grow over time to three and then perhaps even five or seven. Through Miami, Air Serbia can provide connectivity to over 200 destinations with American Airlines”. He added, “There is also strong business interest from both sides. This includes interest for Belgrade, Serbia and the Balkan region on one hand, and Miami, Florida and the southeast of the United States on the other. We feel that this air service will open up opportunities for tourism, business and investment. I know that the government of Serbia is working towards establishing a Consulate in Miami, which will more easily facilitate traffic between our two regions”.
Miami Airport’s Director for Marketing and Air Service Development noted that Belgrade would also be used as a transfer point for the rest of the region. “On our side in Miami, there is a lot of interest to accessing the Balkans and Belgrade can be the gateway to this region. With Air Serbia, we can reach 35 destinations in this part of Europe, which are not so accessible from Miami. On the other hand, for Air Serbia and Serbian passengers, this service opens up not just Florida but also the Caribbean and Latin America. The interesting thing is that travel habits are changing, and everyone is seeking new adventures. This part of the world would be a new experience for US travellers and these flights would enable them to come here and visit a beautiful country and its surroundings, like Croatia which is very popular”, Mr Pineda said.
The new service between Belgrade and Miami is also expected to generate cargo demand. “We also think freight is very important on this route and we believe Belgrade can serve as a distribution centre for products such as flowers, fruits and vegetables which are exported from Miami across the world. It is very difficult to export these fresh products to the Balkans at the moment. You can get fresh flowers, fish and vegetables coming in from Guatemala or Colombia which are connected to Miami and then get them sent to Belgrade and the rest of the region. There are also pharmaceuticals, aeronautical products and all sorts of opportunities that will result from this service”.
