OREANDA-NEWS. January 18, 2013. The first aircraft enlarged the airline's fleet January 11, 2013. The aircraft underwent the official registration process in Ukraine and received UR-PSE tail number. The second aircraft (tail number UR-PSF) will join UIA`s fleet on January 2013. Thus, by late January 2013 the airline's fleet will consist of 21 medium-haul Boeing 737aircraft, reported the press-centre of UIA.

Airline receives new aircraft subject to terms and conditions of operating lease contract with European leasing company for the period of 12 years. Previously, these aircraft were operated by Aerosvit Airlines.

Enlarging UIA fleet, Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft have passenger capacity of 180 seats and economy and business class cabin configuration. These aircraft also have modern Boeing Sky Interior design likewise new generation Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

UIA`s Boeing 737-800 aircraft are equipped with modern navigation gear and CFM56-7B24E engine. These engines` integrity level and reduced fuel consumption rate allow improving efficiency of aircraft operation, reducing atmospheric emissions, and facilitating aircraft maintenance. According to UIA experts` estimation, Boeing 737-800 aircraft fuel economy per passenger seat is reduced by 14% compared to Boeing 737-400 aircraft, by 25% compared to Boeing 737-300 aircraft, and by 34% compared to Boeing 737-500 aircraft.

Both aircraft are equipped with special winglets providing advanced aerodynamics and decreased fuel consumption rate. The latter, in turn, allows reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

As part of UIA fleet expansion and renewal program another two Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft are expected to arrive to Ukraine in April – May 2013. Thus, by summer schedule 2013 UIA will operate 8 Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft.

“In summer 2013 Boeing 737 New Generation aircraft with high level of operating efficiency, cost effectiveness, and passenger comfort, will comprise one third of UIA`s fleet. This will definitely contribute to our company’s the strategic plans` execution, – noted Eugeniy Treskunov, UIA Executive Vice President Strategy and Development. – Implementation of the UIA program of fleet expansion and renewal will allow UIA to significantly expand its route network, including a new routes to the cities of Eastern and Southern Europe, Scandinavia, Russia and other CIS countries, the Caucasus and Central Asia, which will also fall into line with UIA transit opportunities”.