Paperwork Troubles Stall Air Montenegro’s Third Embraer E195 Over Component Traceability
The airline’s fleet expansion is on hold pending approval for an E195 amid serious concerns over technical documentation linked to a defunct carrier.
The addition of a third Embraer E195 to Air Montenegro’s fleet is currently on hold, sparking a controversy that blends operational safety concerns with political tensions. Montenegro’s Civil Aviation Agency (CAA) has yet to issue final approval for the aircraft, despite claims from the national airline that the jet has passed all required technical and operational checks.
The aircraft at the center of the dispute is an Embraer E195 with 118 seats, now parked at Podgorica Airport under provisional registration 4O-C. Its recent history is complex: it previously flew for the now-defunct Danish carrier Great Dane Airlines as OY-GDB. According to EX-YU Aviation, Air Serbia had intended to add the aircraft to its fleet earlier this year—going as far as repainting it in its livery—but eventually returned it to lessor SEBC Aviation Leasing after it sat idle for months in Belgrade.
The root of the issue lies in the traceability of the aircraft’s components. The bankruptcy of Great Dane Airlines in 2021 has complicated verification of the aircraft’s parts and maintenance records. Under strict European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations, every aircraft component must have complete documentation to certify its airworthiness. Missing or incomplete records render a part unfit for flight, posing a direct safety risk. EASA has increased scrutiny on such matters, especially for airlines outside the EU.
Key Facts
• What’s the issue with Air Montenegro’s new aircraft?
Difficulty certifying the complete history and documentation of its components, which is essential for airworthiness certification.• Why is the documentation missing?
Great Dane Airlines’ 2021 bankruptcy has made it challenging to trace the origin and maintenance records of individual parts.• Who has the final say?
Montenegro’s Civil Aviation Agency must issue the aircraft’s airworthiness certificate before it can enter commercial service.
Montenegro’s Ministry of Transport publicly distanced itself from the airline’s decision, stating it was “not consulted in the process.” The ministry emphasized that passenger safety is the top priority and said it could not endorse any move not based on thorough technical assessment. It has since met with the CAA to demand full transparency.
According to Aeroin, the issue has escalated politically amid allegations that a senior member of a ruling party—who also heads the Ministry of Transport—has allegedly pressured aviation officials to approve the aircraft despite its documentation gaps.
Air Montenegro has dismissed what it calls “politically motivated attacks” aimed at discrediting the airline. It stressed its full compliance with EASA, IATA, and ICAO regulations and noted that its fleet expansion is self-funded and vital for enhancing Montenegro’s air connectivity. The airline warned that unfounded criticism erodes public confidence and harms the industry.
While the airline defends its expansion plans, the final decision on whether the third Embraer E195 can enter service rests solely with the Civil Aviation Agency, which is still reviewing the aircraft and its complex documentation.
AUTOR
Desde 2017, haciendo periodismo aeronáutico. Award-Winning Journalist: Ganador de la edición 2023 de "Periodismo de Altura", otorgado por ALTA. Facts don't care about your feelings.
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