Ukrainian airlines are preparing to resume flights following the reopening of the airspace
Ukrainian airlines are ready to resume operations in the domestic market as soon as air travel resumes. For now, however, most companies are maintaining operations abroad by operating international flights or leasing their aircraft and crews to foreign carriers.
This was stated in an interview with Glavkom by Volodymyr Kreidenko, deputy chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Transport and Infrastructure.
According to the MP, Ukrainian airlines are ready to compete with foreign carriers if Ukraine establishes safety regulations and a clear plan for resuming air travel.
At the same time, Kreidenko noted that the companies have encountered problems with the aircraft they leased. Specifically, this involves double taxation, which has led to misunderstandings with law enforcement agencies and the tax service.
Kraydenko emphasized that Ukrainian airlines have not left the business and have the necessary resources to resume operations. “These companies are still in business; they have aircraft and pilots. It’s just that right now, in most cases, they’re operating abroad or subleasing their aircraft and pilots so that the pilots don’t lose their certifications,” he explained.
According to the MP, it would be more comfortable for Ukrainian carriers to operate in their own market, as competition abroad is significantly higher.
Kreidenko also clarified that Ukrainian airlines’ aircraft are currently outside the country. The lawmaker assured that bringing them back would not be a problem once a safe aviation corridor is established. “It’s not a problem to bring these planes back to Ukraine, provided there is an aviation corridor, and to station them in locations designated by the military in coordination with the relevant agencies,” he said.
In addition, as Kreidenko noted, aviation training institutions continue to operate in Ukraine; however, due to the lack of a fully functioning civil aviation network, their graduates are often forced to pursue their careers abroad.
According to the MP, most students complete their studies by the age of 25, after which they register for military service and may travel abroad to complete the required practical training. “Once there, they find jobs and obtain the necessary certifications. Some stay in Ukraine and no longer work in their field,” the source added.
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