The new Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft can accommodate 186 passengers in two class seating configuration. The aircraft passed an official registration procedure in Ukraine and received the UR-PSR registration number. Therefore, Ukraine International Airlines’ fleet currently consists of 37 airliners, including 18 Boeing 737 NG aircraft.
“The arrival of the new Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft is a landmark event for both UIA and Ukraine as, perhaps, it is the only brand new big commercial jet since the crisis, and one of the biggest one-time investments in an Ukrainian company, – the insurance value of the aircraft being 50 million dollars”, – noted Evgeniya Satska, UIA Corporate Press Secretary.
The UR-PSR aircraft is the sixth out of nine Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft that UIA plans to acquire in 2016 as a part of its fleet renewal and expansion program.
The delivery was planned for early July. However, certain activities around UIA, including the search of the corporate offices by inspectors of one of the governmental bodies, resulted in additional screening procedures from the side of international investors.
According to that analysis, UIA fully complies with all Ukrainian and international laws, standards, and requirements. Therefore, the deal got final approval. However, the delivery was postponed resulting in capacity deficiency and flight delays during the peak season.
July 21, the new aircraft is scheduled to operate its first commercial flight to Larnaca, Cyprus.
