SkyUp Airlines is actively exploiting the opportunities of the lucrative ACMI market by providing aircraft, crews, maintenance and insurance for other air carriers. In the context of the aviation sector being halted during the Russian aggression in February 2022 and the closure of Ukrainian airspace, SkyUp responded to the new realities by concluding agreements with more than 20 airlines, including Air Albania, Air Moldova and Wizz Air.
SkyUp CEO Dmitry Seroukhov noted that during the war, the airline changed its strategy, focusing on cargo, charter and ACMI-type contract agreements, where the airline provides its aircraft and crew to customers. The ACMI market became important for SkyUp, and the business was able to start operating quickly, as most of the airline's aircraft were evacuated from Ukraine prematurely. As a result of this strategy, SkyUp entered the top 20 ACMI suppliers in Europe as of June 2023.
In addition, the airline has expanded its operations by obtaining operating certificates in the United States and Canada, and plans to enter the lucrative North American market. Seroukhov emphasizes the importance of further developing partnerships to support SkyUp employees and notes that the airline team intends to return to Ukraine and help the country in the post-war period.
