A specially branded Air Serbia aircraft in the colours of Specialised Expo 2027 Belgrade took off from Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport for Toronto today, marking the first direct flight between Serbia and Canada in more than three decades. The flight to one of North America's most important centres symbolically opened a new chapter in Belgrade's global connection with the world, while Rastko and Milica, the Expo 2027 mascots, saw off passengers on the first direct flight between Serbia and Canada.
The appearance of an Expo-branded aircraft on the runway of the national airport represents a continuation of the international promotion of the Specialised Expo that will bring the world together in Serbia in 2027. At the same time, the new direct air service further strengthens Belgrade's position as a growing regional centre for international events, business meetings and the global exchange of people, ideas and investment.
Establishing a direct connection with Canada is also especially important for the large diaspora, for strengthening tourism and economic cooperation, and for increasing Serbia's visibility in the North American market during the period of intensive preparations for Expo 2027. This kind of infrastructure and air connectivity will play one of the key roles in the arrival of millions of visitors, delegations, companies and participants from around the world during the exhibition.
The fact that Serbia's national airline, Air Serbia, is one of the partners of Specialised Expo 2027 Belgrade, the largest international event Serbia has ever organised, gives the occasion additional symbolism. During the 93 days of the exhibition, Belgrade will host more than 130 participating countries, millions of visitors and thousands of programmes in sport, music, science, innovation and culture under the theme "Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All."