SkyUp’s Strategic Expansion Amidst Challenges
SkyUp Airlines, a prominent Ukrainian carrier, has recently announced a significant expansion with the establishment of a new base in Chișinău, Moldova. This strategic move comes as a response to the ongoing closure of Ukrainian airspace due to the Russian invasion since February 2022. Despite these challenges, SkyUp has maintained its operational integrity by conducting charter flights from bases located outside Ukraine and entering into wet-lease agreements with other airlines.
The newly announced direct flights from Chișinău International Airport, which is roughly 90 km from the Moldovan-Ukrainian border and about 590 km from Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, are set to commence in April 2025. Utilizing the airline’s fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, these flights aim to connect Ukrainians with several key destinations across Europe, facilitating travel for personal, business, humanitarian, and journalistic needs.
Destinations and Schedule
- Paris-Beauvais (BVA) – twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays
- Lisbon (LIS) – weekly flights every Friday
- Barcelona (BCN) – initially weekly on Wednesdays, increasing to three times per week
- Alicante (ALC) – twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays
- Palma de Mallorca (PMI) – twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays
- Larnaca (LCA) – three times per week
- Thessaloniki (SKG) – weekly flights every Tuesday
- Heraklion (HER) – three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, increasing to four times per week
These routes are already available for booking through SkyUp’s official website, demonstrating the airline’s commitment to providing accessible and affordable air travel.
Commitment to Service and Resilience
Dmytro Seroukhov, CEO of SkyUp Airlines, expressed the company’s dedication to maintaining a strong presence in the aviation industry despite the adversities posed by the geopolitical situation. He emphasized the importance of adapting quickly to global market changes to preserve the airline’s team, fleet, and operations. Seroukhov highlighted the emotional connection Ukrainians have with the brand, particularly when they encounter SkyUp aircraft globally, sharing their pride and sense of belonging on social media.
As part of their future plans, SkyUp has also placed orders for seven Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, including models such as the MAX 7, MAX 8, and MAX 10. This expansion of their fleet underscores SkyUp’s long-term vision to enhance its service offerings and reaffirm its status as a resilient and innovative airline with Ukrainian roots.