Ukraine International Airlines ends Boeing 737 'Classic Generation' operations

Ukraine International Airlines (UIA), the flag carrier of Ukraine, continues its fleet renewal program by phasing out its last remaining ‘Classic Generation’ medium-haul aircraft, including two Boeing 737-300 and one Boeing 737-500. The airline’s final Boeing 737-300, with registration number UR-GBD, operated its last revenue flight on Thursday.

The Classic Generation aircraft, UIA had started its activity in 1992, played its role. We thank them, as they were reliable planes, which let us become the airline UIA is now. The next step to UIA’s medium-haul fleet renewal will be the arrival of three Boeing 737 MAX aircraft delivery. There start to be delivered in Spring 2019.Evgeniya Satska, UIA Communications Director

In 1992, the airline became the first Boeing 737 family operator in Ukraine. After retiring the 737 Classic Generation aircraft, the company’s medium-haul fleet includes only ‘New Generation’ (NG) Boeing 737-800s and Boeing 737-900s with an average age of 8.7 years. Furthermore, Embraer E190s are part of the airline’s fleet.

Earlier this year, UIA added three Boeing 777-200ER aircraft to its long-haul fleet. A fourth 777 will enter service soon. Additionally, Boeing 767-300ER aircraft are also used on long-haul flights from the base airport Kiev Boryspil (KBP) but will be retired in 2019-2020.

All in all, the privately owned carrier’s current fleet consists of 42 aircraft with an average age of 10.5 years.