A ir Serbia is proving to be the trust in young and talented people. In nurturing high standards of international training, the national airline is opening its doors to ambitious personnel. One such talented youngster is Aleksa Čarapić, who at the age of just 27 has earned a prestigious fourth stripe to become one of the airline’s youngest captains. Demonstrating that discipline and effort are the best routes to success, Aleksa today successfully commands crews on the dynamic routes of the ATR fleet. We spoke with him about what working in the stimulating environment of Air Serbia brings, and what he would say to future generations who are only now dreaming about donning a pilot‘s uniform... best example that successful companies grow thanks to their A fourth stripe on the uniform is a source of enormous pride, but also means switching seats in the cockpit. What did it feel like to sit in the left seat as captain for the first time, and to welcome the passengers aboard the flight? And which route was that flight on? “That is, of course, a moment to remember. The fourth stripe is great recognition, but primarily represents great responsibility. My first flight as a captain was to Tivat. I remember the first time I addressed the passengers. It was a short welcome to the flight, the kind of address that passengers hear every day, but it had completely different significance for me. It’s nice to realise a goal, but it’s an even more beautiful feeling when you realise that you’ve received an opportunity to bear the responsibility that comes with achieving that goal.” Returning to the very start, how did your love for aviation first emerge? Was it a boyhood dream that you always followed, or did that passion arise later? “My love for aviation has existed since as far back as I can remember. As a younger boy, I imagined myself in the role of a military pilot, but life led me to civil aviation, and I can say today that I wasn’t mistaken. What attracted me the most wasn’t just flying, but rather the fact that you have the privilege of
ER SRBIJA POLETELA NA OSTRVO BRAČ Letovi između Beograda i Brača obavljaju se dva puta nedeljno, sredom i subotom, tokom letnje sezone. – Uvođenjem direktnih letova između Beograda i Brača dodatno proširujemo ponudu Er Srbije ka atraktivnim jadranskim destinacijama i putnicima omogućavamo jednostavniji dolazak do jednog od najpoznatijih ostrva u Hrvatskoj. Brač je destinacija koja objedinjuje prelepe plaže, bogatu turističku ponudu i brojne mogućnosti za aktivan odmor – izjavio je Boško Rupić, direktor za komercijalu i strategiju Er Srbije. Zahvaljujući dobroj povezanosti ostrva sa drugim mestima na dalmatinskoj obali, nova linija pruža dodatnu fleksibilnost pri planiranju letovanja i kraćih odmora.
doing something every day that very few people in the world do, and something that carries a lot of responsibility and requires constant improvement. Aviation teaches you discipline, patience and to never stop learning, regardless of how much experience you have.” The ATR fleet is known as an excellent, but very demanding flight school – it flies shorter routes and often has multiple departures and landings during a day. What’s its greatest charm for you, and what’s the greatest challenge when it comes to flying this type of aircraft? “ATR planes require pilots to be maximally switched on during every flight segment. We fly shorter routes and often have multiple take-offs and landings during a single day, and the dynamics of working and flying are therefore somewhat more intense than with other types of aircraft. That’s the biggest charm of this plane for me. Every flight brings something new. The dynamics compel you to remain focused and engaged all the time, and in return provide great pleasure in flying. The greatest challenge is actually maintaining that high level of concentration from flight to flight, but I think this kind of environment helps us grow as pilots. Our company maintains high international standards of training, which provide each pilot with the knowledge and skills required to make timely and responsible decisions under all circumstances.” What would you say to the young people who see you at the airport wearing your captain‘s uniform this summer, and who wonder if they could follow in your footsteps? “It wasn’t that long ago that I was one of those who admired planes and pilots at the airport. That’s precisely why I believe that no goal is too big if you’re willing to work towards it. I would tell them to believe in their dreams and to not give up on them when the first challenges appear. Be endlessly curious, learn, dream big and don’t be afraid to work for them. And, most importantly, enjoy every step of that journey.”
AIR SERBIA STARTED FLIGHTS TO BRAČ Flights between Belgrade and Brač operate twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, throughout the summer season. “Direct flights between Belgrade and Brač further expand Air Serbia’s offer of flights to attractive destinations on the Adriatic coast and provide our passengers with convenient access to one of Croatia’s most famous islands. Brač is a destination that brings together beautiful beaches, a rich tourism offering, and numerous possibilities for an active holiday,” stated Boško Rupić, AIr Serbia’s GM Commercial and strategy. Thanks to the island’s connection with other locations on the Dalmatian coast, the new route offers passengers additional flexibility when planning summer breaks or shorter getaways.
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