Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) is the national carrier of Ukraine, headquartered in Kyiv. Established in 1992, UIA operates both domestic and international flights, connecting Ukraine with numerous destinations across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East. The airline's main hub is Boryspil International Airport (KBP) in Kyiv. UIA focuses on providing reliable, efficient, and affordable air travel, catering to both leisure and business travelers.
Services
- Economy Class : Comfortable seating with complimentary meals and beverages on long-haul flights, and a buy-on-board menu for short-haul flights. In-flight entertainment includes movies, TV shows, and music.
- Premium Economy Class : Enhanced seating with extra legroom, upgraded meal options, priority boarding, and additional baggage allowance.
- Business Class : Luxurious seating that converts into lie-flat beds on long-haul flights, gourmet meals, priority check-in, lounge access, and premium in-flight entertainment.
- Frequent Flyer Program (Panorama Club) : Earn miles on flights and with partner services, redeemable for flights, upgrades, and other benefits.
- Special Assistance : Services for passengers with reduced mobility, unaccompanied minors, and those needing medical assistance during travel.
- Online Services : Web and mobile check-in, flight status updates, and an easy-to-navigate website for booking and managing reservations.
Expriences
- Elton John : Praised UIA's business class for its comfort and attentive service during his tour stop in Kyiv.
- Jackie Chan : Commended the efficient and friendly service on his flight to Kyiv for a film festival.
- Steven Seagal : Noted the punctuality and professional crew on his journey to Ukraine for a martial arts event.
Interesting Facts
- First Western Aircraft in Post-Soviet Union : UIA was the first airline in the former Soviet Union to operate Western-made Boeing 737 aircraft, marking a significant milestone in its modernization.
- Robust Cargo Operations : UIA handles over 20,000 tons of freight annually, showcasing its extensive cargo operations and logistics capabilities.
- Popular Charter Flights : The airline operates numerous charter flights to popular holiday destinations like Egypt, Turkey, and Greece, catering to vacationers.
- Extensive Flight Network : UIA offers one of the largest networks of flights connecting Ukraine to the world, providing numerous options for travelers.
- Top Employer : UIA has consistently ranked among the top employers in Ukraine’s aviation sector, highlighting its reputation as a leading workplace in the industry.
Frequent Flyers
- Petro Poroshenko : Former President of Ukraine, often uses UIA for official and personal travel.
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy : Current President, relies on UIA for international diplomatic missions.
- Yana Klochkova : Olympic swimmer, praises the efficiency of UIA’s flights.
- Oksana Baiul : Olympic figure skater, appreciates UIA’s comfort and service.
- Ruslana : Eurovision winner, enjoys the friendly crew and reliable schedules.
Myths
- Poor Safety Record : UIA meets international safety standards and has a solid safety record.
- Limited Destinations : UIA offers a wide range of destinations across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
- Only Economy Class : UIA provides various travel classes, including premium economy and business class.
Offbeat Destinations
- Zaporizhzhia : Known for its historical sites and cultural heritage.
- Vinnytsia : A beautiful city with the famous Roshen Fountain.
- Ivano-Frankivsk : Gateway to the Carpathian Mountains.
- Chernivtsi : Known for its stunning university architecture.
- Kherson : Offers unique river cruises and nature reserves.
- Mykolaiv : A port city with maritime museums.
- Sumy : Rich in history and beautiful parks.
- Uzhhorod : Features a blend of Ukrainian and Hungarian cultures.
- Poltava : Historical significance with numerous museums and monuments.
- Chernihiv : One of Ukraine's oldest cities with ancient churches
Awards
- Skytrax Awards : UIA has received several nominations and awards for its service and operational excellence.
- TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards : Recognized for consistent quality and service.
- Europe's Leading Airline to Asia 2018 : World Travel Awards nominee.