The launch of a national air carrier, new modern airfields, the transformation of Boryspil International Airport into an Eastern European air hub, the revival of the aviation industry and the strengthening of cooperation with the European Union are the goals for the coming years, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said at the forum "Great Construction: Aviation and Tourism". This is reported by the Official Internet representation of the President of Ukraine.
"I have always said that we really need projects that stitch together our state - Ukraine. Both metaphorically and in the literal sense of the word - practically, project-wise," the President stressed.
"Today is an important day - we return to the world the idea of the European plane. Now it is our, Ukrainian dream, common with our colleagues from Europe. Ukraine has a wonderful "Antonov", all the production capacities for a full cycle of creating a modern airplane. It is not simple, but we already do it. These are cargo aircrafts and state order. This year they are building three planes for our state. We have all the capacities for serial production, up to providing comprehensive after-sales support," said Zelensky
At the same time, according to the President, we continue negotiations with Western partners to create a modern aviation hub in Ukraine to modernize passenger aircraft into cargo aircraft.In order to implement the state interests in the field of air transportation in the framework of the program "Big Build" creates a national air carrier.
"In addition to promises, we are moving to practical implementation - this is our national air carrier, its creation will begin officially today. We are ready to invest in the air fleet, load Ukrainian manufacturers and attract world leaders to joint projects in aircraft construction", - stressed the Head of State.
According to Vladimir Zelensky, the working name of the future company is Ukrainian National Airlines (UNA, Ukrainian National Airlines). There is already a confirmation of the economic feasibility of this project to French consultants.
"We are also preparing to build two more (we have recently solved this important strategic issue) new airports in eastern Ukraine and one more new airport in Transcarpathia. We are stitching together our state with the open sky", - stressed Volodymyr Zelensky.
He also recalled the main event of this year - the signing of the Open Skies agreement with the European Union, which is often called the second visa-free regime.
Also at the forum in the presence of President Volodymyr Zelensky the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine and Airbus on the national airline was signed.
The document was signed by Minister of Infrastructure Oleksandr Kubrakov and Airbus Vice President for Europe and Central Asia Kimon Sotiropoulos.
The Memorandum fixes the mutual goals of Ukraine and France - development and cooperation in aviation sphere.
The document defines the algorithm of further cooperation between the states within the framework of creating a national air carrier including but not limited to the purchase of aircrafts.
"We see that in Ukraine, a country that has a huge potential for tourism, for business and any new opportunities, there is great potential for the creation of a new carrier," said Kimon Sotiropoulos, Airbus Vice President for Europe and Central Asia.
Kimon Sotiropoulos said that the creation of the national air carrier of Ukraine will take place "from scratch", so that it would be possible to invest immediately in better technology, a better fleet, which will leave a smaller carbon footprint, consume less fuel and therefore be more environmentally friendly.
