Ukraine International Airlines has made its aircraft available for charter and humanitarian flights outside of Ukraine. The carrier, which will also offer wet-leasing cooperation with other airlines, aims to ensure its continued economic contribution to Ukraine.

UIA will cooperate with other airlines

Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) has suspended all operations for over three weeks now after the closure of Ukrainian airspace. The national carrier has announced that its grounded aircraft will be made available for charter and humanitarian flights. UIA said,

"UIA now has the opportunity to offer airlines and partners to join the economic support of Ukraine, taking advantage of the availability of UIA aircraft for charter and humanitarian flights outside Ukraine and concluding “wet leasing” agreements."

The airline will also cooperate with other carriers on wet-leasing agreements. Interested parties can visit the Ukraine International Airlines LinkedIn page and contact the airline through one of the email addresses and phone numbers provided.

Crucially, UIA will only work with airlines that do not currently fly to Russia or Belarus or receive any funding from these countries. The carrier added,

"UIA successfully passes periodic audits for compliance with modern IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) operational safety requirements, covering all aspects of the airline's activities."

Supporting the Ukrainian economy

UIA states that using its aircraft will directly contribute to the economy of Ukraine through taxes to the state budget. Additionally, it will help UIA, which has now ceased all operations, to support its operations by having a revenue stream. The airline further stated,

"UIA strives to maintain operations in order to ensure its contribution to the economic stability of Ukraine. Using our aircraft, you support UIA operations during the war and help pay taxes to the state budget of Ukraine."

The carrier stopped all operations on February 24th after the government of Ukraine declared martial law and shut off its airspace. On March 16th, the carrier extended its suspension of services until April 15th.

The UIA fleet

Ukraine's national carrier has a total of 25 aircraft in its fleet - 12 Boeing 737-800s, four Boeing 737-900ERs, two Boeing 767-300s, five Embraer ERJ-190s, and two Embraer ERJ-195s.

According to data from Planespotters.net, the majority of the UIA fleet is on lease. The carrier owns only a few of the planes in its fleet, including one Boeing 767-300 and two Embraer ERJ-190s.

As tensions with Russia mounted, some insurance companies canceled coverage on UIA's leased aircraft, forcing the airline to ferry five of its leased Boeing 737-800s to Spain in mid-February.