To ensure the continued viability and successful growth of To Montenegro, Zoran Đurišić, founder of Montenegro Airlines and its director until 2013, stressed the urgent need for a thorough, professional analysis of its operations and the appointment of a board predominantly composed of three professionals and experts from commercial aviation. This statement was made following the government’s recent decision to replace the current CEO, Marko Anžur, and establish a new board for the state’s newly formed airline.
“The removal of the CEO due to poor performance has unequivocally validated my repeated concerns over the past four years that the airline is facing significant challenges. Specifically, To Montenegro currently operates 60% of its fleet under wet-leasing arrangements—a model universally avoided by airlines due to its known 30% to 40% higher operational costs. For example, until 2012, Montenegro Airlines had not engaged in wet-leasing operations, a practice typically reserved for tourist agencies. Consequently, the reliance on this model impedes the company’s growth, particularly in terms of knowledge and technological advancement. It would be beneficial to disclose the financial investments made in wet-leasing and the allocation towards maintenance reserves. Despite the government’s acquisition of aircraft in 2021, essential funds for aircraft maintenance (‘A’ checks) are reportedly not being set aside,” Đurišić asserted.
He emphasized that it is crucial for professional experts to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of To Montenegro’s operations to provide Montenegrin citizens with an accurate assessment of the company’s current state.
“This government, like its predecessors, continues to overlook the essential need for professionalism within the aviation sector. Their predominant approach to board appointments favors personal connections over professional competence, contributing to the turmoil in civil aviation. While I appreciate some aspects of the government’s decision—particularly the appointment of proven professionals as CEO and a single board member—I must stress that this alone is insufficient for the airline’s sustainable development. I previously reached a preliminary agreement with Prime Minister Spajić for the inclusion of three unquestionably qualified professionals on the board, while keeping politically appointed individuals with limited aviation expertise away from the helm of this complex industry. Unfortunately, this and previous governments have succumbed to the influence of inexperienced voices in aviation management, thereby endorsing impractical viewpoints,” Đurišić elaborated.
He also disclosed unofficial information suggesting that a political party has been promised the position of Minister of Air Transport.
“I remain hopeful that this does not come to fruition, as it would further undermine Montenegro’s aviation sector—a sector that cannot afford further decline. These individuals lack fundamental aviation knowledge, yet they seek leadership roles in an industry critical to any nation’s infrastructure. As we know, civil aviation ranks among the top three pivotal systems of any state. This government has displayed a concerning lack of responsibility towards civil aviation, and we can only hope that the new administration adopts the governance standards observed in European airlines. This entails a professional board fully accountable for operational outcomes, supported by the appointment of three independent members to the supervisory board—individuals free from any direct ties to the company, entrusted with providing transparent oversight. The model I have advocated for over five years—ensuring a board composition of at least three seasoned professionals—now appears to be a relic of the past under the current government’s recent decision. Until competent and committed individuals are placed in positions of authority, our country will continue to face challenges. With the current approach, our airline risks falling short of the standards set by Montenegro Airlines in 2013, when we operated a fleet of eight aircraft, financed the acquisition of a ninth ‘Embraer 190’ without taxpayer contributions, and were hailed as Southeast Europe’s premier airline,” Đurišić concluded.
