Whether Air Montenegro’s national airline will successfully integrate a third aircraft model, the “Embraer E195”, into its fleet, and establish its traffic safety will depend on the assessment by the Civil Aviation Agency (CAA).

The announcement regarding this aircraft acquisition has stirred public reactions today, including from the national airline itself. Air Montenegro asserted that the “Embraer E195” has undergone all necessary technical and operational evaluations, and that the purchase adhered to professional standards. Conversely, the Ministry of Transport criticized the absence of consultation in the procurement process, emphasizing that decisions lacking comprehensive technical scrutiny cannot garner support from relevant authorities, given that passenger safety is paramount.

As reported by “Vijesti”, Air Montenegro has formally requested the Civil Aviation Agency to include the “Embraer E195” in the national aircraft registry for a long-term lease. Previously registered in Denmark as OY-GDB, this aircraft was intended for the Serbian national airline Air Serbia last year under a dry lease agreement, which ultimately fell through.

Earlier today, Milan Knežević, President of DNP, urged Chief Special Prosecutor Vladimir Novović to investigate claims circulating on certain websites suggesting he exerted pressure on AIR Montenegro’s management and the Civil Aviation Agency to acquire the Embraer E195 aircraft “without valid documentation.” His call for an investigation followed reports from the Analitika portal.

Meeting Between the Ministry of Transport and the CAA

The Ministry of Transport, led by Minister Maja Vukićević (DNP), acknowledged the public’s keen interest in To Montenegro’s decision to purchase an Embraer E195 aircraft, reiterating that passenger, crew, and air traffic safety are of utmost importance.

“The decision to acquire the aircraft lies solely with To Montenegro’s board of directors, and the Ministry of Transport was neither involved nor consulted before this decision. To ensure complete transparency and scrutiny, a meeting was convened with representatives from the Civil Aviation Agency (CAA) to discuss the specific case’s circumstances. The Ministry expressed a clear expectation that the decision-making process will prioritize the highest safety standards and international best practices,” stated the government department.

They noted that risky investments that raise questions about technical and regulatory validity not only jeopardize passenger safety but can also tarnish the company’s reputation.

“Such decisions, if not underpinned by a thorough professional review, will not receive support from the relevant Ministry. The Ministry of Transport remains dedicated to responsibility, transparency, and professionalism, and will employ all available measures to uphold air traffic safety and public trust,” said a Ministry representative.

Air Montenegro emphasized its refusal to engage in public disputes that do not enhance air traffic or advance the national airline but instead seek to disseminate misinformation and politically maneuver, ultimately aiming to induce panic and harm the company and air traffic in Montenegro.

The airline underscored the need for improved air connectivity in Montenegro, stating that it has successfully expanded its fleet using its own resources.

“Every unfounded attack on this process, which seeks not to establish facts but to tarnish our reputation through media narratives regarding passenger safety, represents an attempt to profit at the expense of the common good.

“As the national air carrier, we completely distance ourselves from baseless and unfounded claims that challenge our commitment to passenger safety and the assessments of respected international entities,” Air Montenegro asserted.

Air Montenegro: Commitment to Civil Aviation Standards

The national airline affirmed that all operations comply with international regulations set by entities such as EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency), IATA (International Air Transport Association), and ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization).

“Our foremost priority is to maintain the highest professional civil aviation standards, not sensationalist claims from unreliable sources. As we work to expand our fleet and introduce a third aircraft, we are finalizing negotiations with esteemed partners in global aviation, including aircraft manufacturers and certified maintenance organizations. This collaboration demonstrates that relevant stakeholders in the international arena view us as a dependable and safe partner.

Air Montenegro reiterated its intent to steer clear of political disputes and uphold its professionalism.”

Knežević, who called for Chief Special Prosecutor Vladimir Novović to investigate the allegations published against him regarding pressure on AIR Montenegro’s management, has stated his position clearly.

Knežević: If I’m a Suspect, Detain Me—No Immunity Claimed

“I also expect those responsible for this slander to be questioned and to disclose their sources, as they are obligated to do so given the threat to national security. Only those with a depraved mindset or a corrupt criminal group, wishing to conceal their identity behind my name, could fabricate such falsehoods about my involvement in the acquisition of a ‘defective’ aircraft. I call for swift action from the SDT to probe these allegations and the procurement of this aircraft. It is time to unveil the deceitful tactic of labeling DNP and myself as the central figures in air traffic and airport management. The party I lead has one representative on the airport’s board, one on the Civil Aviation Agency, and none on the Air Montenegro board, which makes aircraft purchase decisions. A different party from the ruling coalition holds the majority in these bodies. I have neither been consulted about these matters nor have I ever aimed to oversee the airport or AIR Montenegro. The directors of Zeta Airport, Tivat Airport, and Air Montenegro are not affiliated with DNP or its officials. This does not imply they lack competence, but rather that I did not appoint them—an important distinction being misrepresented publicly,” Knežević clarified.

He called on Novović to order his detention if he’s deemed suspicious, affirming he would not invoke his right to immunity.

“I similarly urge that if others have cause for suspicion, investigations should also target them, regardless of their affiliations, including family members. The owners and writers of this site should be prepared to substantiate their claims in court. No one can argue that as a public figure, I should endure more than others, since these are not political discussions, but serious accusations alleging that I pressured Air Montenegro’s board to acquire a faulty aircraft and endanger passenger lives. I will not tolerate such insinuations for anyone, for there is a limit to what one can endure, and that line has been utterly crossed,” Knežević concluded.

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