In April 1994, Captain Mihajlo Cvijin founded Trade Air d.o.o., a Croatian aviation company headquartered in Zagreb, which initially began as a cargo carrier. Thirty years ago today, on May 22, 1995, the first cargo flight was operated from Zagreb to Bergamo, marking the beginning of a company that would, over three decades, become synonymous with reliability and flexibility in Croatia’s aviation sector.
The company’s first owned aircraft, an L-410 Turbolet, was purchased in 1999, and the fleet expanded the following year with two more of the same type. A significant turning point came in 2004 when Trade Air acquired two Fokker F100s, enabling the launch of passenger charter flights in 2005. Three years later, the company achieved a major milestone—earning IOSA certification, an internationally recognized standard for high safety levels, which it has continuously maintained to this day.
In 2013, Trade Air entered the scheduled flight sector by joining the Public Service Obligation (PSO) program to enhance regional connectivity. Over the years, the company specialized in various operations—from cargo and passenger charters to the transport of dangerous goods—always prioritizing safety and quality.
In 2016, the fleet was enhanced with its first Airbus A320, and in 2018, Trade Air won the “Golden Kuna” award for the best medium-sized company in Croatia. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the company continued to grow, expanding its operations to markets across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. Today, the company’s fleet consists of four Airbus A320s (registrations 9A-BTH, 9A-BTI, 9A-BTK, and 9A-BTL) with a capacity of 180 seats each. Additionally, as part of the PSO program, Trade Air operates a leased Saab 340 with 33 seats, connecting Osijek with Zagreb, Rijeka, Pula, and Zadar, as well as Rijeka and Pula with Dubrovnik via Split.
Last year, Trade Air transported 529,707 passengers and operated 6,645 flights, solidifying its role as a key regional and global ACMI operator. “Our first flight was more than just a route—it was a symbol of big dreams. It didn’t just launch our business; it laid the foundation for three decades of growth, trust, and dedication,” the company emphasized, thanking its employees and clients for their confidence.
With experienced crews working to the highest standards and a continuously modernized fleet, Trade Air continues to build on its legacy of success—connecting people and markets through flight.
