Air Serbia launches a direct flight between New York and Belgrade

Air Serbia has launched its first transatlantic route, establishing for the first time in 24 years a direct link between the country and the US by a Serbian-operated air service.

Air Serbia’s A330 heads to New York. Image by Air Serbia

The service will connect Belgrade and New York with support from its equity partner, Etihad Airways, which holds a 49% share in the airline.

The 11-hour flight made its first landing in JFK airport to great fanfare, according to the airline, and was welcomed by a traditional water cannon salute.

Panorama of Belgrade on a sunny day. Image by Shutterstock

Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić said in a news release, that “this is the first flight operated by a Serbian carrier to the United States since 1992, and it shows the huge steps we have taken to develop our economy and reposition our country and capital Belgrade on the world map”. He noted that re-establishing a connection will push the flow of tourism and trade between Serbia and the US.

Lower Manhattan skyline at sunset. Image by 500px

The route will be operated with an Airbus A330-200 aircraft and will feature menus inspired by Serbian cuisine, lie-flat seats and in-flight entertainment in both English and Serbian.