The situation, which paved the way for Ukraine International’s unexpected rapid expansion, “was actually in line with our strategy,” president Yuri Miroshnikov told ATW.
After AeroSvit suspended services, Ukraine International lost its major competitor for traffic rights, routes and market share. The current expansion remains challenging. “It is difficult to handle the growth. We are trying our best,” Miroshnikov said.
In the last two years, the carrier has been developing its network model and re-engineering from a hybrid type to a network carrier, focusing on origin/destination passengers.
Ukraine International’s fleet grew from 20 aircraft in 2012; it will have 34 aircraft by the end of this year. “In terms of passengers, the number rose from 2.8 million in 2012 to 4.5 million passengers this year,” Miroshnikov said. Also, fleet decisions had to been made very quickly. “We took six aircraft from AeroSvit.” By the end of 2013, up to four additional Boeing 737NGs should join the fleet, “which are coming from various sources,” he said. Another three Embraer E-190s are expected for delivery by the end of the year.
Miroshnikov said Kiev Boryspil International Airport should become a more effective hub. “I think we definitely see ourselves in the long-haul market in the near future. For that we are thinking about the Boeing 767-300, 777 or Airbus A330,” he said, without giving a timeline. “As soon as Ukraine International completes its current expansion, the next steps should be better planned, because many things happened unplanned this year,” he said.
Miroshnikov added he is not sure if and when the airline will join an alliance. “Joining an alliance is not the purpose for us. If we see the real need to become a member then we will move in that direction. Or we will remain non-allianced,” he said.
(Kurt Hofmann - ATWOnline News)
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