Serbia’s Air Pink, Air Emeralds, and Star Fly Wings Face AOC Suspensions Following EASA Audit

In a significant development within the Serbian aviation sector, Air Pink, its subsidiary Air Emeralds, and the similarly situated Star Fly Wings have all seen their Air Operator’s Certificates (AOCs) suspended. The decision came after the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) revoked their Third Country Operator (TCO) authorisations on February 28, a move that led the Serbian Civil Aviation Directorate to suspend their AOCs subsequently. The EASA’s action stems from a safety audit that reportedly uncovered negative findings, although the agency has not disclosed specific details about the audit results.

Air Pink, recognized for its business charter operations and partially owned by media mogul Željko Mitrović, has been exploring avenues to expand into scheduled low-cost flights. This ambition now faces a considerable setback with the suspension of its operational certification. Air Emeralds, under the full ownership of Air Pink, and Star Fly Wings, associated with Nikola Petrović—a figure closely connected to Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić—have also been implicated in the regulatory action.

Despite the severity of the EASA’s findings, Mitrović has publicly stated that the suspension of the AOCs was a voluntary action requested by the airlines. This claim, however, has not been elaborated upon, leaving room for speculation about the circumstances leading to the suspension.

The Serbian Civil Aviation Directorate’s silence in response to inquiries adds another layer of mystery to the situation. The affected airlines have also refrained from commenting on the developments, further obscuring the details and implications of the EASA’s audit.

Eurocontrol’s data reveals that Air Pink maintained a sizable active fleet, including various Cessna models and Legacy 600 aircraft, before the suspension. Similarly, Air Emeralds operated a fleet composed predominantly of Cessna aircraft. Star Fly Wings, on the other hand, appears not to have any operational aircraft, raising questions about its business activities.

This episode marks a significant disruption for the involved Serbian carriers, casting a shadow over their future operations and aspirations in the aviation industry. The lack of detailed information from the EASA and the involved parties means that the aviation community and the public are left waiting for further clarifications on the matter.