SkyUp Airlines

SkyUp Airlines is a low-cost airline with Ukrainian roots. It flies scheduled and charter services and leases aircraft with crew to other carriers. The brand describes itself as an international airline that began in Ukraine.

The Alba family founded SkyUp in June 2017. They say travel is their greatest passion. The first SkyUp flight took off on 21 May 2018. The stated mission is to open the world to Ukrainians and open Ukraine to the world.

The airline set out to offer the services of a traditional carrier at low-cost prices. It also changed some habits. Flight attendants wear trainers and trouser suits instead of heels and skirts. SkyUp says it was the first airline in Ukraine to fit Split Scimitar winglets. These wingtip devices save fuel and improve airflow.

The company lists several early awards. In just over a year, it entered the top ten most dynamic European airlines in the Anker Report. In 2021, it won a category at the Ukraine Tourism Awards. In 2022, it became the second largest Ukrainian airline by passengers carried and entered the international market.

Before the full-scale war, SkyUp ran a mix of scheduled and charter flights. When Ukrainian airspace closed, the airline moved its work to Europe. Its main activities became ACMI contracts, special flights and charters. ACMI means leasing an aircraft with crew, maintenance and insurance. Charter customers include tour operators, foundations, associations and sports clubs.

The airline gives figures for 2022. It operated 7,713 flights and carried 1.08 million passengers. Those flights served 204 airports on 627 routes, including ACMI work. About 1,200 staff kept their jobs. During summer 2022, the airline passed more than 20 audits from other airlines.

The website has pages for passengers, travel agents, media and partners. Partner pages cover charter flights, SkyUp Cargo and ACMI. The site also lists the fleet, careers and offices. It mentions new routes to London and Dubai and offers group bookings.