Avio Network Acquires JAT Tehnika to Expand MRO Services in Serbia

This article is based on an official press release from Avio Network.

On May 11, 2026, Belgrade-based Avio Network officially announced the completion of its acquisitions of JAT Tehnika, a prominent maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider located at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport in Surčin, Serbia. According to the official press release, this transaction is a cornerstone of Avio Network’s growth strategy, designed to significantly expand its technical capabilities, infrastructure, and market reach across Europe.

We note from supplementary industry research that the deal involves Avio Network acquiring a 99.38% stake in the historic MRO facility. The acquisition positions the company to capitalize on the post-pandemic recovery of the global airline industry, fleet expansions, and the corresponding surge in demand for cost-effective maintenance services.

The Details of the Acquisition

Transition of Ownership

The formal Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) was initially signed in December 2025, according to verified public data. Following regulatory clearance from Serbia’s competition authority, the deal was finalized in May 2026. The financial terms of the transaction remain undisclosed.

In the company press release, Avio Network CEO Aleš Luci highlighted the strategic value of the purchase, emphasizing the immediate access to certified maintenance facilities and a highly skilled workforce.

“This acquisition represents a strategic investment in scalable infrastructure and proven operational excellence. JAT Tehnika brings a strong foundation… that are fully aligned with our vision of building a leading regional MRO platform.”

The press release confirms that JAT Tehnika will continue to serve its current clients without interruption during the transition period, with Avio Network planning to introduce additional commercial opportunities under its ownership.

Contrasting Profiles: From Niche Services to MRO Giant

Avio Network’s Rapid Ascent

Founded in 2017 and headquartered at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport, Avio Network began as a niche aviation services provider focusing on aircraft washing and cleaning. Public industry data shows the company expanded its portfolio in 2022 by obtaining licenses for aircraft towing and pushback, eventually entering the line maintenance sector. Prior to this acquisition, Avio Network operated with approximately 90 employees, serving clients such as Air Serbia, easyJet, Lumiwings, Leav, and DAT.

JAT Tehnika’s Historic Legacy

In stark contrast to its new parent company’s relatively recent founding, JAT Tehnika boasts roots dating back to 1927 with the founding of the airline Aeroput. Established in its current corporate form in 2006, the facility spans approximately 480,000 square meters and features three hangars capable of accommodating both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft.

JAT Tehnika holds critical international certifications, including EASA PART-145, FAA FAR 145, and EASA PART-21J (European Design Certificate). Notably, in August 2023, the facility completed the first passenger-to-cargo conversion of a Boeing 767-300 aircraft in Europe, a milestone achieved in collaboration with Israeli Aerospace Industries.

Strategic Rationale and Market Context

Planned Investments

Avio Network plans to implement targeted investments aimed at modernizing JAT Tehnika’s facilities, improving digital capacities, and optimizing operational efficiency. The official release notes these upgrades will strengthen the company’s competitive position in both narrow-body and wide-body maintenance segments.

AirPro News analysis

At AirPro News, we view this acquisition as a fascinating shift in the Southeast European aviation landscape. The contrast in scale is particularly striking: a relatively young company with roughly 90 employees has successfully taken over a massive, historic MRO facility with nearly a century of legacy. This move signals a highly ambitious transition for Avio Network from line maintenance and ground handling into heavy, comprehensive MRO services.

Furthermore, this transaction must be viewed within the broader context of regional market restructuring. JAT Tehnika was previously owned by Avia Prime, a Czech-based aviation group controlled by Hartenberg Holding, which acquired the Serbian MRO during its 2019 privatization. Industry research indicates that Avia Prime is executing a strategic divestment from the Balkans; in late 2025, the group agreed to sell its Slovenian maintenance subsidiary, Adria Tehnika, to the European low-cost carrier easyJet.

This broader exit by Hartenberg Holding from the aviation sector underscores a shifting competitive landscape where major airlines are increasingly bringing maintenance in-house to control operating costs. By keeping JAT Tehnika under regional ownership, Avio Network is securing a strategically vital industrial asset for the Western Balkans, ensuring Belgrade remains a competitive hub for aircraft maintenance in Southeast Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of JAT Tehnika did Avio Network acquire?

According to public industry data, Avio Network acquired a 99.38% stake in JAT Tehnika.

Will current JAT Tehnika clients be affected by the change in ownership?

No. The official press release states that JAT Tehnika will continue to provide services to its current clients without interruption.

What are Avio Network’s future plans for the facility?

Avio Network has committed to targeted investments in the modernization of facilities, the improvement of digital capacities, and the optimization of operational efficiency.

Sources:

• Avio Network Official Press Release