OREANDA-NEWS. On 04 August 2009 was announced, that Ukraine International Airlines expanded its fleet with the new passenger airplane –Boeing 737-800, delivered from Boeing plant in Seattle.

The new aircraft is the first of four new Boeing 737-800 aircraft scheduled for delivery in the nearest future. The second one will arrive later in autumn 2009. Two more new Boeing 737-800 aircraft are scheduled for delivery in early 2010 as a part of UIA’s long term programme of fleet renewal and expansion.

This will be the first new generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft on the Ukrainian register (registration number UR-PSA).

The aircraft’s interior will offer a number of additional improvements including an increased number of seats. The airline intends to use the new aircraft with up to 189 passenger seats on high density routes including charter, popular leisure and high load scheduled destinations allowing for more efficient fleet utilization.

The new generation -800 is equipped with the latest navigation equipment and CFM (56-7B26) engines that feature a number of technical improvements with lower fuel burn and increased reliability making the aircraft more efficient, environmentally friendly and easier to maintain.

This and all future aircraft in the UIA fleet will come with ‘winglets’, (extended raised wingtips) that are designed to improve the aerodynamic efficiency of the aircraft by reducing drag allowing for fuel savings, and, consequently, lower carbon emissions.

“This latest version of the B737-800 is probably the most modern and reliable aircraft available today. Equipped with winglets and the latest engines, it is environmentally friendly as it has lower carbon emissions. It is a “greener” machine ,” said UIA President Yuri Miroshnikov. “We continue to upgrade our classic B737 fleet. The programme to install winglets on the remaining B737-500s and -300s will be completed this coming winter. The winglets improve aerodynamics and reduce fuel burn, noise and emissions. We are committed to making UIA one of the most environmentally friendly airlines in Europe.”

Ukraine International Airlines is operating Boeing aircraft since its foundation in 1992. Today UIA’s fleet consists of 18 modern Boeing 737 aircraft.

UIA has its own base for full technical and engineering maintenance of Boeing aircraft, which provides technical services not only to UIA aircraft but to those of other airlines.

The new aircraft, with the latest aircraft and engine technology available in the world today, will enhance UIA’s leadership position in the Ukrainian aviation market.