FlyLAL Lithuanian Airlines has been invited to join SkyTeam as an associate member, the carrier announced, joining Spain's Air Europa, Panama's Copa Airlines and Kenya Airways in the alliance's associate program. Tarom of Romania and Beirut-based Middle East Airlines are also potential associate members. FlyLAL said the invitation followed a two-year negotiation and that "final criteria for admission" and a join date "will be confirmed in the short run." It currently … [Read more...] about EUROPE & CIS : Lithuanian to join SkyTeam as associate

Ukraine International Airlines said it will add up to 30 new aircraft in the next 6-7 years, starting with four winglet-equipped 737-800s leased from Aviation Capital Group. Two are scheduled to arrive next year, followed by another two in early 2010. "This initial order represents the start of the roll out of our fleet renewal and expansion strategy," UIA president Yuri Miroshnikov said. "In the near future we plan to operate the newest and mosttechnologically advanced fleet … [Read more...] about EUROPE & CIS : Ukraine Air to add 30 new aircraft

Aeroflot remains interested in acquiring a European airline such as CSA of the Czech Republic or Serbia's JAT, the Russian airline's CEO Valery Okulov said in an interview with La Tribune. Aeroflot has long been interested in making an acquisition in Europe, telling reporters last month that Aeroflot will participate in a joint bid for CSA if the carrier is privatised later this year. Meanwhile, Aeroflot Cargo is facing a major hurdle as it seeks to replace its ageing DC-10 freighters with … [Read more...] about EUROPE & CIS : Aeroflot still looking at acquisitions

Aeroflot Cargo has signed an exclusive Cargo General Sales Agency Agreement (GSA) appointing Toronto-based Airline Services International (ASI) Inc., to cover Canada. Under the terms of the contract ASI becomes the exclusive GSA for Aeroflot Cargo in Canada and will also assist with sales efforts in some select US cities. Aeroflot operates five B-767-300 passenger flights nonstop from Toronto to Moscow with onward connection to major cities within Russia and also to destinations in … [Read more...] about EUROPE & CIS : New Canadian GSA for Aeroflot

Swiss WorldCargo, the air cargo division of Swiss International Air Lines Ltd., announced a significant increase of air cargo capacity between Zurich and Tel Aviv with the introduction of an additional A340 aircraft on this route. The existing passenger service was upgraded from three times weekly to daily from mid-March. Swiss WorldCargo will off er around 38 tonnes of cargo capacity to and from Tel Aviv. "To meet the demand of this diversified and ever growing market, Swiss … [Read more...] about EUROPE & CIS : Swiss WorldCargo upsizes Tel Aviv service