The aviation business in Ukraine has been developed rapidly from year to year with the appearance of new companies offering air transport services. At present, more than 52 Airlines operate flights to over 28 countries. But not many can take pride in a long history of development and significant plans for the future. By contrast, the Ukrainian Airlines "Ukrainian-Mediterranean Airlines» («UM Air») will celebrate its 15th anniversary this year.
The company was first launched in 1998, when its founder and leader Rodrigue Merhej, with the support of his associates, organized a Kyiv-Beirut connection.
After accumulating knowledge and experience Rodrigue Merhej, a graduate of one of the country’s top professional schools, the Kyiv Institute of Civil Aviation, created UM Air. Currently «UM Air» is a stable company with regular passenger flights to Middle Eastern countries such as Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Iran and Iraq.
With 15 years of experience, a highly professional team and an extensive client base, the company has far reaching plans. Starting 2014 it plans to upgrade its fleet.
This issue is of strategic importance for the board of «UM Air» because of the value that Ukrainians attach to the age and condition of their air carriers’ aircraft. The company is considering the use of the Ukrainian produced AN-158 aircraft on its routes. Additionally, the company is looking seriously at promotion on Middle Eastern markets.
Looking forward, the replacement of MD-80 Boeing aircraft by more modern Airbus models is planned. Taking into account such innovations, the company plans to expand the technical capabilities of the complex maintenance management of new aircraft.
A second but equally important issue for the development of «UM Air» is increased attention to staffing. Aviation involves high technology processes which have to be managed by highly qualified specialists. Consequently, in the future we plan to open a center for training of aviation staff.
The company’s personnel policy is aimed at preserving existing jobs, creating new ones, increasing the social protection of employees and the development of their qualifications. Only if these priorities are held Ukrainian carriers can meet the necessary safety requirements.
The plans of «UM Air» Chairman Rodrigue Merhej include systematic expansion of regular routes from Ukraine’s industrial and cultural centers (Kharkiv, Lviv, Donetsk) to Beirut.
In the longer term, the company is considering the establishment of regular flights between the cities of Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Lviv in Ukraine and Amman in Jordan. This will improve access to the health and spa centers along the Dead Sea and greatly expand the travel, medical and business interests of Ukrainian citizens.
