Russia’s Sky Express LCC loses its AOC

Sky Express 737. Courtesy, Sky Express

Russian authorities withdrew the air operator’s certificate (AOC) for Sky Express (XW) owing to the deterioration of its performance and finances (ATW Daily News, Oct. 18), according to Rosaviatsia—Russia’s Dept. of Aviation/Ministry of Transport. XW was Russia’s first low-cost carrier.

Last month, Rosaviatsia head Alexander Neradko said the carrier’s AOC would be canceled due to the consolidation process between XW and Krasnodar-based regional carrier Kuban Airlines (GW). Both carriers belong to the investment company Basic Element. Despite losing one AOC, the owner will keep both brands on the market as the XW name has become well known over the last several years.

Earlier this fall, XW transferred its aircraft to GW, creating a combined fleet of seven Boeing 737s, three Airbus 319s and 11 Yak-42s, which will not be used for scheduled flights.

Most of XW’s routes were closed when the airlines optimized their winter schedule. It is still not clear if the combined airline will continue to offer low-cost fares. Since advanced notice of the consolidation and AOC withdrawal was given, passengers were not affected.

During the first nine months of this year, XW carried 942,400 passengers, up 10.5% year-over-year.