Jat Airways (Belgrade Nikola Tesla) is set to be taken over by Etihad Airways (EY, Abu Dhabi International) after Belgrade accepted the Emirati-carrier's offer. The announcement was made by Serbia’s Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić. According to Serbian daily “Večernje novosti”, with a takeover agreement in place, Etihad could take control of Jat as early as August 1 with a rebranding to Air Serbia (JU, Belgrade Nikola Tesla) due on October 27. Meanwhile, EX-YU Aviation News states that the new Etihad-appointed CEO of Jat, part of a three-man delegation, has arrived in Belgrade and has already conducted various talks with government and airline departments. Air Serbia will serve as a successor to Jat, as opposed to a new company, thereby inheriting all its routes, assets, rights and debts, though this does mean the demise of the Jat brand after 66 years in existence.