Ukrainian airlines forced to store aircraft

The possible invasion of Ukraine by Russia has prompted several insurance companies to revoke the coverage of aircraft, especially ones owned by leasing companies. To safeguard operations, the Ukrainian government has put aside money for guarentees to insurance companies and lessors. Despite this, several aircraft operated by SkyUp Airlines and Ukraine International Airlines have been forced to be relocated out of the country and being stored elsewhere. Most notable was the news that a SkyUp-aircraft en-route from Funchal to Kiev was made to divert to Chisinau after the insurance company of the lessor forbid it from operating in Ukrainian airspace.

According to several aviation sites, SkyUp Airlines has relocated B737-700 UR-SQD (32413) and B737-800s UR-SQA (40150) and UR-SQB (40153) to Iasi in Romania, while B737-800 UR-SQO (40880) remains in Chisinau after the conversion. The airline now has an active fleet of one B737-700 and six B737-800s. It has also has four B737-900ERs parked at Tallinn since November and December 2021.

Ukraine International Airlines in its turn has relocated B737-800s UR-PSM (29674) and UR-PSZ (36820) to Belgrade, while UR-PSO (30628), UR-PSP (28241), UR-PSQ (28620), UR-PSX (34280) and UR-PSY (34821) have been stored at Castellón in Spain. The national airline now has an active fleet of four B737-800s, four B737-900ERs, four ERJ190s and one ERJ195. Due to the pandemic, it also has one B737-800, one ERJ190, one ERJ195 and two B767-300ERs parked at Kiev.

Bees Airline is also impacted and have moved its B737-800s UR-UBA (29662), UR-UBB (29686), UR-UBC (29654) and UR-UBD (29658) to Montpellier, leaving the airline with no active aircraft.

Photo by SkyUp Airlines.