Air Serbia Ends Partnership with Marathon Airlines Following Incident on Flight JU 324

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Regarding the incident on 18 February 2024, involving flight JU 324 from Belgrade to Dusseldorf, operated by Marathon Airlines’ Embraer E195 aircraft, Air Serbia promptly reported the damage to the appropriate Serbian authorities: the Civil Aviation Directorate and the Center for Investigation of Accidents in Transport. Ensuring the safety of passengers and crew is Air Serbia’s highest concern, and the airline is actively collaborating with the mentioned agencies. Additionally, Greek aviation officials will undertake a separate inquiry.

Independent of the investigation’s findings, Air Serbia has decided to cease its partnership with Marathon Airlines, effective 21 February 2024. Consequently, no Air Serbia flights will be serviced by Marathon Airlines’ fleet. Alternate aircraft within Air Serbia’s fleet will replace the flights initially scheduled with Marathon Airlines to ensure uninterrupted service.

Marathon Airlines, headquartered in Greece, adheres to European Union Aviation Safety Agency standards and is a member of the International Air Transport Association. Since June 2023, Air Serbia and Marathon Airlines have engaged in a short-term wet-lease agreement, a common practice among major airlines, especially during the air travel recovery phase post-COVID-19 pandemic. This arrangement entails that the partnered airlines are responsible for their flight and cabin crews’ selection and training.

Air Serbia extends its apologies to the passengers of flight JU324 for any distress caused. Despite the flight being operated by Marathon Airlines, Air Serbia acknowledges the discomfort passengers may have felt. The airline confirms that all passengers on the 18 February flight are entitled to standard compensation and any additional costs due to the flight’s delay. Priority processing is guaranteed for claims submitted through Air Serbia’s dedicated form. Moreover, all passengers on this flight are eligible for a full ticket refund, including the 91 passengers who were rebooked on the rescheduled flight to Dusseldorf on 19 February.

While the investigation is ongoing, Air Serbia will not disclose further details about flight JU 324. However, the airline reiterates its understanding of the inconvenience caused and is taking immediate corrective actions. Air Serbia remains committed to maintaining the trust and confidence of its passengers, cultivated over many years, and will consider additional measures to prevent future incidents.

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