Ukraine's 1st Boeing 737-300SF Freighter Takes to the Skies

The inaugural flight of Ukraine International Airlines new Boeing 737-300SF freighter marks a new era in cargo services in Ukraine

(Kyiv, Ukraine, July, 2008) -- At 16:40 on July 9, 2008, Ukraine International Airlines operated its inaugural flight number PS4998 of its new Boeing 737-300SF freighter that was ordered earlier this year (see below copy of press release of 21 April 2008). The first flight to Vienna International Airport (VIE) was operated jointly with Austrian Airlines and returned to Ukraine with 17 tons of cargo. This aircraft marks a major change in capacity and flexibility as in the past the majority of cargo operations were on older aircraft many of which are now unable to fly into the EU due to new noise and emissions standards.

To increase possibilities for cargo transportation for its clients within a renewed Cargo Solutions Portfolio, UIA has partnered with Austrian Airlines, European Cargo Services (ECS) and the international courier company TNT.

ECS, with its integrated network of 32 subsidiaries in 22 countries, acts as a general sales agent for UIA Cargo worldwide and will provide extensive sales support for inbound cargo and mail into or via Ukraine. UIA has cooperated with ECS since the early nineties. Effective 2008, TNT will act as a code-share carrier with UIA on routes from Kiev to Vienna, Vienna to TNT's international hub at Liege Airport and the Liege to Kyiv route.

Flights to Vienna will be operated three times a week and effective September 1, 2008, the frequency of weekly flights will be increased to five. Additionally in September, five flights to Liege Airport via Vienna International Airport will be added.

"The start of operations using the Boeing 737-300SF freighter marks a new era in cargo services offered by UIA," said Peter Kukharchuk, UIA Logistics and Cargo Director. "The aircraft represents the latest technology in cargo management and complies with best international standards of fuel efficiency, payload capacity, environmental friendliness and features world-class standards of cargo services, including transportation of perishables, bulky and oversized cargos."

"The need for high-quality cargo services as a result of Ukraine's ever growing international trade is at its highest and UIA, with this recent addition to our fleet, is well equipped to offer guaranteed and mission-critical cargo services," said Richard Creagh, UIA Deputy President. "We intend to expand our cargo fleet with the arrival of a second Boeing 737-300SF freighter aircraft in 2009 and are seeking to develop Ukraine's strategic position as a cargo hub between European and Eastern destinations."

Source : Ukraine International Airlines

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