OREANDA-NEWS. On 28 February 2008 was announced, that under its continued passenger fleet renewal program, UTair Aviation has opened Boeing 737-500 passenger service. The first liner of the Boeing fleet acquired by the airline made its first scheduled passenger flight between Khanty-Mansiysk and Tyumen on February 21, 2008.
UTair pilots have completed a Boeing flight theory and simulator training programs at the best training centers in Europe and the USA, as well as special flight training programs required for solo flights. UTair’s maintenance subsidiary UTair-Technik will be responsible for the maintenance of the Boeing aircraft as its personnel has been trained specifically for the purpose.
All of UTair’s Boeings 737-500 have the same passenger cabin configuration with 8 business class and 106 economy class seats. Therefore, the airliners are to replace part of the airline’s Tu-134 planes on routes with increasing passenger traffic.

With Boeings 737 in its fleet, UTair will be in a position to create an optimal structure for its medium-haul fleet to better meet its needs. UTair will also be equipped to cut fuel expenses, increase the number of flight destinations and enlarge its traffic, which in the end will work to make the company even more competitive on the expanding passenger transport market.
In 2008, the number of Boeings 737-500 in UTair’s fleet will reach 10 airliners, and 20 airliners by the end of 2009.