Big news for Croatian aviation! ETF Airways is gearing up for significant expansion, and it's set to make waves in the industry. The company is set to open a maintenance base in Zadar, marking a pivotal moment for the region's aviation sector. But that's not all – they're also welcoming their first ATR72-600 turboprop aircraft next March.
At a recent conference in Zadar, ETF unveiled two new independent companies: ETF Maintenance, which will focus on aircraft upkeep and will be based at the airport, and ETF Travel, which will specialize in travel planning and logistics. This strategic move showcases ETF Airways' commitment to comprehensive service offerings. The event saw the attendance of key figures, including Croatia Airlines’ CEO Jasmin Bajić and the Croatian Minister for Sea, Transport and Infrastructure, Oleg Butković, underscoring the importance of this development.
ETF Airways' CEO, Stjepan Bedić, shared the company's ambitious vision: "We have ambitions to develop heavy aircraft maintenance and other related services in Croatia. If countries in Eastern Europe can do it, so can we - we’re no less capable. Zadar Airport recognized our initiative and showed remarkable commitment, energy and shared goals. It’s rare to see such a high level of enthusiasm and cooperation." This statement highlights the company's confidence and determination to establish a strong presence in the market. Zadar Airport's CEO, Josip Klišmanić, added, “We are beginning a broader cooperation between Zadar Airport and ETF Airways. ETF plans to launch aircraft maintenance operations right here in Zadar. We hope this partnership will also lead to further infrastructure development, which will contribute to the airport’s growth and the expansion of services offered here”.
The arrival of the ATR72 aircraft, secured through an eight-year lease, is expected in March. This addition marks a significant step for ETF Airways. Mr. Bedić expressed his excitement: “We are so proud to reach a stage where we can add one more type to our fleet. We were curious about the ATR72 for a while and finally we decided to go ahead and give it a try. We plan to add "Galileo" in Q1 2026”. The aircraft in question is currently eight years old.
Mr. Bedić further explained the strategic rationale behind this move: “We currently have strong demand for ACMI leases involving turboprop aircraft. We believe this is a good niche given current market trends, as competition for leasing Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft is quite strong. Our long-term plan is to add another aircraft of the same type by 2027”.
But here's where it gets interesting... ETF Airways is focusing on a niche market with turboprop aircraft, which could be a smart move, considering the competitive landscape for larger aircraft. Could this strategic focus give them a competitive edge?
What do you think about ETF Airways' expansion plans? Do you agree with their approach to focusing on turboprops? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
