The first flight of Air Montenegro on the Podgorica-Rome route
The inaugural flight of Air Montenegro on the Podgorica-Rome route, in cooperation with the Airports of Montenegro, was marked by a ceremonial event.
Today, the first flight of the national airline on the Podgorica-Rome route was realized. The flight was preceded by a ceremonial event on this occasion, during which representatives of the Government of Montenegro, the Ambassador of the Republic of Italy to Montenegro, as well as representatives of the company and the Airports of Montenegro, addressed the audience.
Starting from today, December 15, Air Montenegro will operate flights to Rome twice a week, every Friday and Monday.
"The necessity of strengthening mutual relations between the two countries, inspired by traditionally friendly historical and contemporary ties between Montenegro and the Republic of Italy, as well as the exceptionally good existing relations between the two countries, is recognized today through the concretization of a strategic decision of this government - the establishment of a flight on the Podgorica-Rome route", emphasized the Vice President of the Government for Labor, Education, Health, and Social Policy, Srđan Pavićević.
Vice President Pavićević mentioned that, considering Montenegro's aspiration to become a full member of the European Union and the support provided by the Republic of Italy in this process, in further development and strengthening of all forms of cooperation and mutual relations between Montenegro and the Republic of Italy, the launch of this route is just the first step towards improving the partnership between the two countries.
"By establishing flights to Rome, the importance of having a national airline is once again demonstrated. In a situation where other airlines are abandoning flights, it shows readiness to maintain Montenegro's connectivity with significant markets that represent potential for both economic cooperation and outbound tourism", said Minister of Transport and Maritime Affairs, Filip Radulović.
The Executive Director of Air Montenegro, Mark Anžur, stated that the Podgorica-Rome route will be year-round, with an expected increase in frequency in the coming years.
"During this year, from January to November, 39,000 passengers were transported on this destination. According to our plan for this winter season, Air Montenegro is expected to transport around 4 thousand passengers to this destination, while it is anticipated that during the summer season, about 10 thousand passengers will be transported", Anžur said.
"The opening of the direct Podgorica-Rome route will bring Montenegro and Italy even closer. We are close countries in every aspect - cultural, historical, and geographical, but that wouldn't mean much without the existence of direct connectivity. We face a great challenge because by connecting in the coming years, we will further strengthen our political and economic cooperation", said the Ambassador of the Republic of Italy to Montenegro, Andreina Marsella.
Vladan Drašković, the Director of the Airports of Montenegro, emphasized that Air Montenegro has once again clearly demonstrated the difference between the thinking of commercial airlines owned by other entities and the importance of air connectivity held by the national airline. He highlighted that Air Montenegro is not just a company but also a part of the overall Montenegrin infrastructure.
"They have once again shown that they are not motivated solely by profitability criteria but understand their role in the development of the state's strategic interests. In that sense, I wish them every success, and we are ready to provide them with every possible assistance within the capabilities of the Airports of Montenegro", said Drašković.
The ceremonial welcome, attended by representatives from the Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport, Ivan Bassato, the State Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport in Italy, Tullio Ferrante, the Ambassador of Montenegro to Italy, Milena Šofranac Ljubojević, was also organized in Rome in cooperation with Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport.