To mark the 99th anniversary of the founding of Serbia’s national flag carrier, the Foundation “For the Serbian People and State”, in cooperation with Air Serbia and Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport, inaugurated the exhibition “On Serbian Wings”, dedicated to the rich heritage of Serbian civil aviation and the development of the nation’s aviation sector over the course of nearly a century.
Through a carefully curated collection of archival materials, photographs, documents, and historical records, the exhibition traces the remarkable journey of Serbian aviation from the establishment of Aeroput in 1927, one of Europe’s pioneering civil airlines, through the development of Yugoslav Airlines (JAT), to present-day Air Serbia, a modern carrier that stands among the most recognizable symbols of contemporary Serbia and its connectivity with the world.
The history of the national airline is also the story of a country that recognized the importance of progress, connectivity, and openness to the world. From the earliest flights and air routes that brought people and cities closer together, to today’s extensive network of destinations linking Serbia with major global hubs, the development of aviation reflects the vision, perseverance, and expertise of generations who laid the foundations of modern air transport.
The exhibition “On Serbian Wings” also serves as a tribute to the pilots, engineers, mechanics, aviation professionals, and visionaries whose dedication and commitment over the past ninety-nine years have contributed to the growth of the national airline and strengthened Serbia’s standing within the international aviation community.
“For almost a century, our national airline has been far more than a company it has symbolized Serbia’s connection with the world, its progress, and its confidence in the future. That is why it is so important to preserve the memory of the people and achievements that shaped this significant chapter of our national history,” said Ljubica Bertović, Director of the Foundation “For the Serbian People and State”.
“Standing on the threshold of a centennial anniversary is a distinction that only a select number of airlines around the world can claim. As we look with deep respect at the historical materials presented in this exhibition, we are reminded that behind every milestone stand people. This exhibition is a tribute to generations of pilots, engineers, mechanics, cabin crew members, and all employees whose work, passion, and dedication have given strength to our wings. Today, as we proudly expand our network and connect Serbia with the world more extensively than ever before, we remain mindful that our heritage carries responsibility while our future inspires ambition. Our greatest achievement is not measured solely by the number of passengers we have carried, but by the trust we have earned and maintained for nearly a century. We enter the year leading to our centenary with a clear goal to celebrate our first 100 years by flying higher, better, and farther than ever before,” said Jiří Marek, Chief Executive Officer of Air Serbia.
By highlighting the most significant milestones and achievements of Serbian aviation, the exhibition underscores the importance of preserving historical memory and safeguarding institutional heritage as the foundation upon which future successes are built. In an era of rapid change, understanding and valuing one’s own history remains one of the essential prerequisites for a secure and successful future.
With the inauguration of the exhibition “On Serbian Wings”, the Foundation “For the Serbian People and State”, Air Serbia, and Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport jointly pay tribute to the generations that shaped the history of Serbian aviation, preserving the legacy of achievements that continue to inspire pride and serve as a source of inspiration for future generations.
The bilingual exhibition will be available to all passengers at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport, at Gate C07, until 16 July 2026.
