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Ukraine International Airlines (UIA), officially known as Private Joint Stock Company “Ukraine International Airlines,” is the flag carrier of Ukraine, established to connect the nation to the world while embodying Ukrainian hospitality and resilience. Founded on October 1, 1992, and headquartered in Kyiv, UIA operates from its primary hub at Kyiv Boryspil International Airport (KBP). As Ukraine’s largest airline, it historically served over 80 destinations across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and North America, leveraging a fleet of modern Boeing and Embraer aircraft. However, since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, UIA has faced significant challenges, suspending all scheduled and charter flights due to the closure of Ukrainian airspace. As of May 2025, operations remain limited, with the airline focusing on recovery, fleet modernization, and humanitarian efforts amidst ongoing geopolitical constraints.
UIA was co-founded as a joint venture between the Ukrainian Association of Civil Aviation and Guinness Peat Aviation (GPA, now AerCap), launching its first flight from Kyiv to London on November 25, 1992, using a Boeing 737-400—the first airline in the former Soviet Union to operate this model. In 1996, Austrian Airlines and Swissair became shareholders, followed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in 2000, injecting $9 million in equity. This public-private model enabled UIA to adopt international standards in maintenance, operations, and service. Cargo operations began in 1994 with a Boeing 737-200 serving London and Amsterdam.
The early 2010s marked significant growth, particularly after the 2013 collapse of competitor AeroSvit, prompting UIA to double its fleet and expand routes to cities like Baku, Yerevan, and New York (JFK, launched April 25, 2014). By 2013, UIA carried 2.2 million passengers in the first half alone, aiming for 4.4 million annually. In 2018, UIA introduced Boeing 777-200ERs, enhancing long-haul capabilities with a three-class cabin configuration. However, challenges emerged, including a 2015 Russian flight ban due to reciprocal sanctions following Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea, costing UIA $216 million in losses from 2014–2019 due to rerouting.
The tragic downing of UIA Flight PS752 on January 8, 2020, by an Iranian military missile killed all 176 passengers and crew, marking a dark moment in UIA’s history. The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic further strained finances, with $60 million in losses, though UIA sustained operations through evacuation, humanitarian, and cargo flights without state support. The Russian invasion in February 2022 halted commercial operations, closing Ukrainian airspace and suspending flights indefinitely. Despite this, UIA continues to plan for recovery, maintaining its fleet abroad and exploring charter operations.
Prior to the 2022 suspension, UIA operated a fleet of approximately 39 aircraft, with an average age of 12 years, designed for short-, medium-, and long-haul routes. The fleet included:
In 2018, UIA announced a modernization plan, replacing older 737 Classics with newer 737s and Embraer E-195s, with plans for Boeing 737 MAX 8s pending recertification. In 2021, UIA planned to add two Boeing 777-300s for charter operations. Since the 2022 airspace closure, many aircraft are stored or leased abroad, with maintenance handled by international partners to preserve airworthiness.