Ukraine’s Airline Looks To Lease Out Planes & Crews

Ukraine's national airline has announced a pretty cool way that people around the globe can support it, all while keeping planes and crews safe.

UIA looking to wet lease its aircraft

The suspension of operations by the Ukraine International Airlines could last longer than April 15, 2022, but that is where things are now. There is a negative financial impact on the airline and there is also a risk to the safety of the employees and planes.

People at the airline are getting creative, as they are looking to partners around the globe who may want to lease the carrier's aircraft with crews. The planes could be used for charter flights, humanitarian flights, or for an ongoing lease service.

The concept of wet leasing aircraft is nothing new, and there are even charter companies that specialize in this. The concept is described by the airline.

In times of martial law and the closure of Ukrainian airspace, UIA strives to maintain operations in order to ensure its contribution to the economic stability of Ukraine.

The airline is looking to operate charter flights outside of Ukraine, but only for companies that don't fly to Russia or Belarus, and that don't receive funding from these countries.

There are roughly 30 aircraft in the fleet ofUIA, including Boeing and Embraer E190/195s. You can read my review of the 767 business class here, but unfortunately the airline no longer does.

I’d love to see an airline help out UIA

Many airline executives talk about how they don't have enough planes and crew members because of the recovery in demand for air travel. Many airline executives have expressed their support for Ukraine.

This is an opportunity for airlines to take action and help Ukraine at the same time. In most parts of the world, this would be very popular, and most passengers would view it very positively.

It would be difficult to get an airline to help, as airlines sometimes have complex union contracts, and there are rules around certain aircraft operating in certain countries.

Bottom line

The airline is looking to lease out its planes and crews to other airlines around the globe. I think it's fair to say that the airline is wet leasing with a cause, since the concept of wet leasing planes is nothing new. It would help the airline make some money and ensure that both planes and crews remain safe as the war in Ukraine continues.

I would love to fly with that airline if there was a widespread wet lease agreement.

Is there any airline that could engage inUIA for this unique opportunity?

The tip of the hat is used to view from the wing.