The proposer of amendments to the Law on Air Traffic, which are expected to be adopted by the Serbian Parliament this month, also provided an overview of the current state of Serbia’s civil aviation industry. This data highlights the relatively high number of aviation entities and activities compared to Serbia’s small size and economic power.
Currently, there are 530 aircraft on the “YU” register, with about 50 potentially being unnavigable. RATEL’s register lists 296 aircraft, excluding ultralight aircraft and balloons. The most common aircraft types include 372 airplanes, 53 gliders, 44 helicopters, 43 motor kites, 8 motor gliders, 6 gyrocopters and 4 balloons.
The largest aircraft operators in Serbia are Air Serbia with 31 aircraft, Jat Privredna Avijacija with 26 aircraft, GAS Aviation with 23, Aviation Academy with 21, Prince Aviation with 17 and Imperial Jet (formerly Air Pink) with 15 aircraft.
In terms of aircraft operators, Serbia currently has 20 registered operators, with 6 authorized for public air transport and 11 for special activities. Additionally, 3 operators are allowed to perform non-commercial flights with complex motor aircraft. The proposed amendments to the Law on Air Traffic would enable registered sailboat and balloon operators to begin commercial operations.
From 2020 to 2023, Serbia registered 650 unmanned aircraft. There are now approximately 120 operators of unmanned aircraft, having submitted requests for flight approval. Over 2,000 examinations for drone operators have been conducted, and more than 1,000 flight approvals granted. However, there are no registered manufacturers of unmanned aircraft due to the lack of specific regulations for their design and production within Serbia’s civil aviation laws.
Serbia has two airport operators with an airport certificate, 16 operators licensed to use airports, and 12 licensed heliport operators. Additionally, 14 ground handling service providers are licensed to perform their activities.
Regarding aviation technical services, Serbia has 18 registered organizations for ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft, as well as 13 maintenance organizations. Furthermore, there are 3 authorized training centers for aircraft maintenance personnel, 31 Air Force training centers and 4 non-flight training centers.
In conclusion, Serbia’s civil aviation sector is large and diverse, with significant numbers of registered aircraft and operators. However, areas such as drone regulation and aviation training present opportunities for further development.
