Veličan: Sarajevo will soon be connected to attractive world destinations!

After last year's 665,638 passengers transported, Sarajevo International Airport is breaking records in 2014 as well, writes the Patria News Agency. On this occasion, the Patria News Agency is publishing an interview with Ivica Veličan, General Director of Sarajevo International Airport.

Patria: How satisfied are you with the operations of the Airport in Sarajevo and what has changed since you took over the leadership of this company?

Veličan: Regarding the operations of Sarajevo Airport, since the beginning of the year, we have recorded outstanding results in terms of both traffic and financial performance.

As for the changes that have occurred during my mandate, I can say that they have mostly reflected in investments in modern equipment and infrastructure, as well as in the introduction of new attractive routes for our passengers. We have also opened a highly profitable Walk Through duty-free shop, the business lounge has been reconstructed in the style of world airports, and we have also provided maximum support to all business entities wishing to present their services and products at Sarajevo Airport in terms of advertising space.

Patria: In what other ways can the situation in this company be improved?

Veličan: The management of Sarajevo International Airport constantly strives to improve its operations, which has earned this company a reputation as a respectable business partner, as well as a desirable employer, as evidenced by the numerous inquiries and applications for employment that we receive daily.

One of the prerequisites for improving business is also taking care of the wishes and demands of our users, according to which we try to adapt our services, all to make our passengers' stay at the airport as pleasant as possible. For years, Sarajevo Airport has also focused on the expertise and quality of its staff, in whose education we invest a lot. Proof of this is the LH Cargo (Lufthansa Cargo) Certificate, awarded to Sarajevo Airport in 2013, which recognizes training in the field of dangerous goods (DGR) conducted at our training center. There are also numerous other international and domestic recognitions.

Patria: You have achieved a record number of passengers, what do you expect by the end of this year?

Veličan: As I said at the very beginning, we have recorded positive results from the very start, and these results are our incentive to put in additional effort in the future, in order to achieve a record 700,000 passengers by the end of this year, while for the next year we plan to further increase traffic to 800,000 passengers. The long-awaited opening of the Sarajevo-Dubai route by FlyDubai airline will certainly contribute to the increase in passengers, and negotiations are underway with several other airlines, which should connect Sarajevo with attractive world destinations by opening their routes.

Patria: The construction of a prayer room is also planned, how far has that project progressed?

Veličan: Due to the great need and frequent inquiries from passengers whether they can perform prayers while waiting for their flights, the airport management has decided to build a prayer room in the old administration building, which is currently undergoing reconstruction. We will have more details about the prayer room after the reconstruction of the building is completed, but I can say that it is planned to be built in the style of the one at Munich Airport.

Patria: Do the increasing number of flights from Tuzla threaten the operations of Sarajevo International Airport, or is competition desirable?

Veličan: The introduction of new routes from Tuzla Airport does not threaten the operations of Sarajevo Airport, nor do we view Tuzla Airport as competition, which also applies to other airports in the country. On the contrary, I can say that we have very correct cooperation with airports in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is reflected in several segments; providing support in staff training, mutual assistance in equipment, personnel, and resources.

I believe that by developing and maintaining good business relationships with other airports in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we also contribute to the development of civil aviation in our country.

Patria: You are said to be a socially responsible company. What does that mean?

Veličan: Sarajevo International Airport is a company that is not solely focused on its business and financial results. We also pay a lot of attention to socially responsible business, which is one of our strategic goals. We try to help wherever we can and see that it is needed. We express our social responsibility by providing support to our users, employees, the environment, and society.

Sarajevo International Airport made a special contribution during the major floods that hit Bosnia and Herzegovina in May. At that time, we provided services for the acceptance of 214,744 kg of humanitarian aid completely free of charge, and a few years ago we also abolished advertising in print media, in order to direct money towards donations for those most in need instead of for such purposes.