Ukraine International Airlines (UIA, Kyiv) has asked the European Commission to accelerate the signing of the Common Aviation Area Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union.

"As Ukraine's flag airline [which is] actively introducing the model of a transit carrier from West to East and from North to South, Ukraine International Airlines regards deregulation of air traffic between Ukraine and the EU to be an overwhelmingly important stage of Ukraine`s integration into the global aviation community. That's why UIA asked the European Commission to make a strong contribution to accelerate the process and commence as soon as possible the conclusion procedure for the Common Aviation Area Agreement," UIA said in a press release.

According to the press release, on July 17, 2015, UIA sent the following formal letter to Jean-Claude Juncker, President European Commission: "UIA addresses the European Commission with the issue of the highest importance to Ukraine, Ukrainian carriers, and passengers."

"As the Ukrainian flag carrier and member of IATA and Association of European Airlines (AEA), Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) is concerned with the fact that the Agreement on Common Aviation Area between Ukraine and the European Union is still not concluded. Currently, the case of Gibraltar-related wording is the only impediment from the EU side to the Agreement conclusion, while it seems there are no barriers on the part of Ukraine," UIA said.

The Agreement on Common Aviation Area between Ukraine and the EU will create numerous improvements in aviation rules and standards in Ukraine, open up further market opportunities and economic benefits on both sides, remove most of remaining limitations between Ukraine and the EU in air transportation, and will establish free and fair competition.

UIA said in the letter that Ukraine`s accession to Common Aviation Area will help realize the country`s aviation potential, exploit transit opportunities, encourage Ukraine`s carriers to raise operational safety, quality and service standards, facilitate the development of airlines and the consolidation of the sector, and bring new opportunities for consumers.

"Beyond that, liberalization of air traffic between Ukraine and the East is of critical importance to the further development of our country`s transit potential. Therefore, UIA encourages the Commission to join the efforts of Ukrainian aviation authorities and help gain access to the overregulated eastern markets. It will allow for gradually opening the respective aviation markets and expanding flight opportunities between Europe and Asia," the airline said.

UIA was founded in 1992. It is the largest Ukrainian airline. Its base airport is Boryspil (Kyiv). The UIA fleet consists of 31 aircraft, including 27 medium-haul and four long-haul airplanes.