Ural Airlines to receive two А321neo LRs in 2019

The airline may become the launch operator for the type in Russia (Leonid Faerberg / Transport-Photo.com)

Russia’s Ural Airlines intends to take delivery of two Airbus A321neo LRs, the extended-range version of the re-engined narrowbody, in 2019, the carrier told Russian Aviation Insider. The airline may thus become the Russian launch operator for the type.

Asked about the potential number of new aircraft Ural Airlines might acquire eventually, the company’s spokesperson replied: “From just two to replacing our entire A320/321ceo fleet in the long run.” The first airliners will be added to the carrier’s existing fleet to build capacity.

No contracts have been signed yet, but the intention was first voiced a while ago. In September last year, Ural Airlines CEO Sergey Skuratov told Russian Aviation Insider that the carrier was in talks regarding the acquisition of new airliners.

The Yekaterinburg-based airline currently operates 43 Airbus A320 family aircraft. It has announced plans to increase its fleet to 50 airframes in 2018. Last year Ural Airlines retained its fourth position on the list of Russia’s leading carriers by passenger traffic, having served over 8 million travelers (up 24% year-on-year).

The long-range А321neo LRs will enable the airline to add long-haul flights to its route network without having to introduce widebody aircraft. Earlier, Ural Airlines considered acquiring A330s.

The launch customer for the A320neo LR is Kazakhstan’s national carrier Air Astana.