Ukrainian low-cost carrier SkyUp has launched a unique appeal to fellow airlines to wet lease its all-Boeing 737 fleet in economic solidarity as war in Europe enters its fourth week.

The Kyiv Ukraine-based airline is desperately urging counterparts worldwide that do not fly services involving locations in Russia or Belarus to accept its 15 medium-haul narrowbodies as all flights have been suspended since the invasion by Russia.

Potential lessees of the aircraft, which average 12 years of age, would take on the medium-haul aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance (ACMI) lease in return for payment on the hours flown by the lessor.

SkyUp, which operates from Boryspil International Airport, just 19 miles east of the capital, stated: "Various industries within Ukraine are severely hit, including aviation. airlines of Ukraine and the civil aviation authority are in an abyss of doubt in regard to their operations … damaged airports have left the country’s airlines in a state of despair.”

The impassioned statement continued: “The best thing that can be done by those of us who defend our homeland without weapons is to continue to work hard. The highest priority task for Ukrainian business is to continue operations... to ensure economic stability, create additional resources for our armed forces, and support civilians affected by the fighting”.

Most of the fleet is parked outside of Ukraine in Tallinn, Estonia and Iasi in Romania and comprises: nine Boeing 737-800NG aircraft with 189 seats, two 737-700NGs (149 seats) and four 737-900 ERs (215 seats).

“By using our aircraft, you will help us continue our operational activities during the war and pay taxes to the state treasury, save 1,300 employees and support the affected Ukrainians as we will send every tenth dollar or euro to help the victims of the war.”

Interested parties are urged to call +380 67 238 0538 or write to: o.tarasov@skyup.aero

SkyUp was launched in 2018 and, in addition to Kyiv, has secondary bases in Lviv and Kharkiv, all serving destinations across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.