You're reading: AeroSvit launches An-148 on Kyiv-Simferopol, Kyiv-Odesa routes

AeroSvit Ukrainian Airlines (Kyiv) has launched an An-148 aircraft on the Kyiv-Simferopol and Kyiv-Odesa routes, AeroSvit Press Secretary Volodymyr Haydash has told Interfax-Ukraine.

As reported, AeroSvit jointly with Antonov Design Bureau on June 2 launched a new An-148 aircraft on regular domestic routes. The air carrier and the designer operate the airplane on terms of wet leasing

Earlier, AeroSvit planned to start operating the aircraft on the Kyiv-Simferopol, Kyiv-Odesa and Kyiv-Lviv routes from July 1, 2009.

The air carrier also planned to start operating the An-148 on international routes from August-September.

CJSC AeroSvit Ukrainian Airlines was established in 1994. According to the company, currently 62% of its shares belong to Ukrainian owners: the State Property Fund of Ukraine owns 22.3941%, Genaviainvest Ltd 24.999%, UkrInfoConsult 9.8% and Buro Ltd. 4.8%. Some 38% of the shares belong to Gilward Investments B.V. (the Netherlands)

In 2008, the air company increased passenger transportation by 22%, to 2.51 million passengers, performing 29,960 flights.