Ukraine International Airlines (UIA, Kyiv) intends to operate medium-haul international point-to-point flights capable of demonstrating substantial passenger load without transit feeding, the airline said in a Thursday press release.
The airline said that the airline expects to resume operations by referencing the best case scenario provided that the entry/exit restrictions for both Ukrainian and foreign nationals are lifted effective June 15, 2020.
UIA predicted that Ukraine International’s passenger traffic will decrease by approximately 46%, i.e., down to 1.9 million passengers (of which 0.986 million have already been carried before the lockdown).
At stage one – through April 2021 – the carrier intends to operate medium-haul international point-to-point flights capable of demonstrating substantial passenger load without transit feeding. Ukraine international expects to resume domestic operations. At stage two, as soon as passenger traffic is regenerated, the airline will restore minimal international route network.
UIA said that long-haul operations may be resumed after critical feeding flights are re-introduced to the schedule – in or about April 2021.
“Right after Ukraine International resumes operations, the airline plans to operate 14 aircraft, gradually increasing the number up to 28. The long-haul fleet will be optimized with due allowance for the necessities of stage one. Later on, based on the traffic and market landscape (namely drop in demand for long-haul aircraft), the carrier will decide on extending its widebody fleet,” the airline said.
To perform efficiently on the post-pandemic market, Ukraine International introduces changes to its base product.
“The airline plans to facilitate its fare policy, cut down business class capacity, increase the sales share via the website, and offer customers full-cycle service on the website providing passengers with an opportunity to make changes in their bookings. The airline is committed to increasing fleet operation and cutting costs while preserving substantial transit potential,” UIA said.
