New look for 23-year olds

Jat's Boeing B737-300s get interior change
In late May, Jat began refurbishing its Boeing B737-300 fleet, which are beeing renewed for the first time since 1994, when the airline received a new visual identity. Although the actual seats in the aircraft have been replaced now for the first time since the aircraft arrived. The refurbishment was carried out on the aircraft registered YU-ANJ, which received new look seats, new lighting and new carpets. The outside of the aircraft also received fresh paint while the engines were also changed. By the end of August a further 5 aircraft will receive the new interior. The new seats are of the same configuration as the previous ones although they have been revamped with leather from the United States. The business class section has also received a new look. The refurbishment of YU-ANJ amounted to 100.000 Euros.

Jat's revamped economy class
Jat was the launch customer of the Boeing B737-300 series aircraft in Europe. Its first B737-300, still operating for the airline, entered service on August 15, 1985 (registered YU-ANF). The majority of Jat’s B737s arrived during 1988. According to Jat’s technical division, the aircraft can serve for a further 5 years before they become too expensive to maintain and operate. Despite being with Jat since they were produced, many of the airline’s Boeings have operated around the world. YU-ANJ, which has been the first to receive the revamped cabins is the most memorable. It was the first aircraft to receive the “flying dots” livery in 2003 under the new name Jat Airways. YU-ANJ also memorably flew within Australia during 1989. This was the year when Australia’s pilots strike took place. The Boeing was leased in Jat colours with Jat’s cabin and flight crew to Australian Airlines and Ansett Airlines. Neither of the two exists anymore.

Comments

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. The question is......, will there be a fleet renewal?

    I'm guessing the ATR deal will definitely go a head but the 737 replacement all depends on the Serbian government supplying cash which is a promise they have not delivered on in the past a number of times and they may just not again this time.

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  4. frequentflyer09:18

    Note also Bosnian that it's not the entire fleet that's getting an internal makeover... chances are that the ones that don't will be the ones replaced.

    So perhaps that's how many new 73G/319s will be added to the fleet?

    And does it make sense that they are refurbishing the oldest planes (which are harder to sell but still usable), or should they be refurbishing the newest ones for long-term use?

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  6. frequentflyer11:12

    The mention of Ansett in the article has had me thinking since my last post.

    Despite the fact Ansett was poorly managed in its final years (by Air NZ) leading to its dramatic collapse only eclipsed by the events of September 11, what happened to their fleet? And likewise to many of the other airlines which go bust (and planes being owned rather than leased cannot be returned)? I know the Kendell CRJs were moved on, as were the 767s/A320s...

    From a passengers perspective, they were always a joy to fly with domestically, had a very diverse fleet (possibly half their financial problem!) and their demise changed the aviation landscape in Australia forever.

    If you are an upstart/growing airline, wouldn't it be cheaper to start with a 2nd-hand plane first off? It'd be like buying your first car: new, or old first off? Many airlines in S.America for example are flying around 732s first before upgrading their fleets.

    And finally, how many airlines retire perfectly good planes in their fleet in one of those 'desert graveyards' where the planes are still functionable (though sealed off) and could be brought back to service for (assuming) a fraction of the cost of a new aircraft? Is it all about keeping the Airbus/Boeing/etc production lines moving?

    If you are say, JAT, and you have a big fleet ageing/renewal problem, what's stopping you from getting planes identical or complimentary to your fleet from a storage area rather than struggling with your present one?

    Just some thoughts over the last few days!

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  7. frequentflyer,

    Ansett was in desperate need for fleet renewal and most of there aircraft were mothballed except for a handful of A320's which were leased or sold to other airlines after the collapse. Can you recall when there entire fleet of 767's were grounded by CASA a number of times due to hair line cracks found in the emperage?
    Ansett was a great airline and it looks like somewhere a decision was made that Ansett was too expensive to save by the government and to instead allow Virgin Blue to fill the void.
    I too still wish Ansett was around it went from being one of the best managed airlines in the 90's to a total disaster all within 10 years.

    You can maybe still find former Ansett planes parked at Essendon airport.

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  8. Also frequentflyer,

    When it comes to the question of best options for a fleet well it all depends on how often you will utilise the aircraft, the best aircraft for the job and how much cash you have to start with. The CRJ were a complete disaster for Kendell. Notice how Qantas Link and Rex have continued to fly turboprops and have shunned introducing regional jets.

    Some second hand aircraft may be in very good condition and an airline will be more then happy to use it other airlines may just not have enough cash to invest in new fleets so they operate what hey can.

    There is an old saying in which goes like this....., If you want to make a million dollars in aviation then you need to start with 10 million!

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  10. Anonymous15:11

    The seats were replaced for one reason: Because Lufthansa cancelled it's code share with Jat (ie. no LH codes on JU flights) due to years of complaints from LH's passengers. LH gave Jat warning to do something about this over 2 years ago, and in typical fashion - they did nothing until the very end.

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