Airlines Wizz Air to re-establish Ukrainian subsidiary airline

During a meeting between the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and the Chief Executive of Wizz Air József Váradi, the parties discussed a possible re-establishment of Wizz Air Ukraine as Ukrainian airline. By 2019, Wizz Air Ukraine hopes to be a licensed Ukrainian operator.

Between 2008 and April 2015, Wizz Air operated a Ukrainian subsidiary airline. Due to the crisis in the country, the carrier was forced to stop operations after 7 years of service. Back then, Wizz Air stationed two Airbus A320 aircraft at Kyiv and Lviv and operated both international and domestic flights.

Now, the carrier has strong interest in re-establishing Wizz Air Ukraine. The airline plans to invest into a low-fare network by deploying over US$ 2.5 billion. By saying that it would station up to 20 brand new Airbus A320/A321 aircraft to a number of operating bases, the carrier underlines its serious interest in new routes.

Main operating base will be located in Kyiv and in other regional centres that are yet to be announced. By 2025, Wizz Air Ukraine aims to have carried 6 million annual passengers.

During the meeting, Poroshenko and Váradi discussed the economic, regulatory and legislative conditions that are needed to finalize the business. According to the carrier, Wizz Air Ukraine would elevate Ukraine´s airline industry by providing quality travel infrastructure for millions of Ukrainians and visitors. Moreover, Wizz Air expects to create around 6,000 new local jobs.

Petro Poroshenko commented: "I am very happy about the decision to return to Ukraine. I believe that this is a very symbolic decision that characterizes the changes that took place in Ukraine over the past four years."

József Váradi added: “Ukraine has always been and remains a very important market for Wizz Air [...] In demonstration of our commitment to Ukraine, and responding to strong customer demand, Wizz Air is prepared to scale up its investment in the country near term."

Wizz Air is a low-cost carrier from Hungary. The airline operates with an all-Airbus fleet of 67 A320s and 30 A321s. Subsidiary airline Wizz Air UK flies with five A320s and three A321. Wizz Air currently operates flights to 137 destinations in 43 countries. Its main focus however is on the European market.