Ryanair presents its plan for rebuilding Ukraine’s aviation industry following the conflict with Russia. In a meeting with Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration and the Minister of Infrastructure, Oleksandr Kubrakov, the company proposes a investment of over $3 billion to revitalize the sector.
The low-cost airline visited the country’s main airports, Kiev, Lviv, and Odesa, where the management team led by Michael O’Leary met with the administrators. Particular attention was paid to Boryspil International Airport, which extended the invitation to Ryanair. During the visit, they thoroughly inspected the facilities, noting what they defined as the «excellent condition of the airport infrastructure and its full operational readiness to resume flights when safe.»
«Ryanair remains a committed partner in rebuilding and investing in Ukraine aviation. Today we saw that in the most difficult conditions of war, the Boryspil airport team demonstrates its professionalism and is fully ready for the resumption of flights as soon as possible,» expressed in Kiev Michael O’Leary, CEO of the Ryanair Group.
In addition, he added: «Ryanair was Ukraine’s 2nd largest airline before the unlawful Russian invasion in Feb 2022. Once the skies over Ukraine have reopened for commercial aviation, Ryanair will charge back into Ukraine linking the main Ukraine airports with over 20 EU capitals, and we are working closely with the Ukrainian Govt to rebuild Ukraine’s aviation, industry and its economy.»
Ryanair’s plan includes operating 600 weekly flights from the airports in Kiev, Lviv, and Odesa, in addition to establishing domestic routes between these cities. The airline plans to offer more than 5 million seats originating or terminating in Ukraine in the first 12 post-war months, increasing to 10 million in 5 years. To carry out this ambitious operation, the company will base 30 Boeing 737 MAX in the country, an investment exceeding $3 billion that will significantly strengthen Ukrainian air capacity.
Oleksandr Kubrakov, Ukraine’s Minister of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development, noted: «Maintaining the operability of the aviation infrastructure and personnel vocational skills remains vital for us in the conditions of war. Meanwhile, the resumption of flights will be possible as soon as the security situation allows.»
«However, we are already working on solutions and investment plans to enable aircraft to fly up quickly. I am grateful for the leadership in the recovery of our aviation industry, for the specific proposals and decisions of Ryanair, a loyal partner of Ukraine,» Kubrakov concluded.
