IATA AGM 2013: UIA expects to increase domestic market share to 50% as 737-800s and E190s are added

Ukraine International Airlines CEO Yuri Miroshnikov told (03-Jun-2013) CAPA on the sidelines of the IATA annual general meeting in Cape Town that the carrier expects to capture over 50% of the Ukrainian domestic market by the end of 2013. UIA captured about 30% of the domestic market in 2012 but has been expanding rapidly since Ukraine's other major carrier, Aerosvit, filed for bankruptcy in Jan-2013. CAPA previously reported that UIA has expanded its fleet from 18 to 27 aircraft (25 737s and two E190s) since Aerosvit suspended operations. Mr Miroshnikov says UIA's fleet will grow by another seven aircraft by the end of 2013. The carrier's newly acquired fleet of Embraer E190s will grow from two to five aircraft and its 737-800 fleet will grow from six to 10 aircraft. UIA also operates 19 737 Classics, including one freighter.