A new Air Montenegro aircraft, an Embraer E195, landed last night at Podgorica Airport around 10:15 p.m., after being delayed for several hours due to unfavorable weather conditions.
In keeping with aviation tradition, the plane was welcomed with a water cannon salute from the airport’s fire trucks. On board were several key officials, including Tihomir Dragaš, Chairman of Air Montenegro’s Board of Directors, and the company’s CEO, Vukadin Stojanović.
Dragaš reassured the public about the aircraft’s safety, emphasizing that both he and Stojanović were onboard alongside the rest of the crew. He also addressed recent criticism directed at the national airline, stating, “We reject the negative campaign that has been carried out against Air Montenegro in recent weeks and months.”
Stojanović emphasized the importance of the aircraft’s arrival, noting it is the first plane in 11 years to be added to the national carrier’s fleet for scheduled commercial service. “Today, a hotel and a factory landed in Golubovci,” he said metaphorically, referring to the aircraft’s potential. He projected that the plane will generate at least 35 million euros in revenue and transport over half a million passengers within the next three years. The plane is expected to begin regular operations by early next week, pending necessary checks by aviation authorities.
Prime Minister Milojko Spajić also commented on the arrival via X (formerly Twitter), stating that the new addition to Air Montenegro’s fleet will mean more destinations and passengers, ultimately boosting tourism and strengthening the Montenegrin economy. He wished the crew and passengers “many successful flights, calm skies, and safe landings,” and expressed hope that Air Montenegro would continue “spreading its wings, connecting people, ideas, and opportunities – to the pride of all citizens of Montenegro.”
Air Montenegro has signed a multi-year agreement with Embraer to join the company’s Pool Program, which includes the new aircraft and the two existing E195s in its fleet. The Pool Program currently supports over 60 airlines worldwide.
Embraer, a global aerospace company headquartered in Brazil, is the leading manufacturer of commercial jets with up to 150 seats. Since its founding in 1969, Embraer has delivered more than 9,000 aircraft. On average, an Embraer plane takes off somewhere in the world every ten seconds, carrying more than 150 million passengers annually.
