Mali: Serbia to become 100 pct owner of Air Serbia on Monday

BELGRADE - Serbian Finance Minister Sinisa Mali announced Serbia would on Monday complete the paperwork required to acquire Etihad Airways' stake in Air Serbia.

"Air Serbia is the largest airline in the region. From a company that was in bankruptcy, we have made a leader that now flies to four continents and in a large number of countries, and we have become an example of how you can contribute further to economic development of your country through a successful airline," Mali told reporters at the Ministry of Finance.

He said the government would devote full attention to further development of Air Serbia and that acquisition of large aircraft and introduction of new flight destinations were the next steps.

"I would like to thank the people from Etihad Airways, who were our partners and Air Serbia co-owners from 2013. They are leaving Air Serbia as a result of their business decisions, while it is our job to develop our company," Mali said.