Flights currently operated by «Ukraine International Airlines» from Kyiv to the Mexican resort of Cancun will be discontinued in February 2022. This was announced by the executive director of the tour operator «Compass» Dmitry Gudziy. «Compass» acts as a customer for UIA flights on long-haul routes. At the same time, charter programs to the Dominican Republic and the Maldives will be completed.
Experts interviewed by the publication believe that the reason for the cancellation of tours — high competition in the market. Although UIA planes are full, the tour operator does not receive the planned profit. UIA operates flights to Mexico on a Boeing 767-300ER aircraft leased from the Portuguese company EuroAtlantic Airways and designed to carry 267 passengers, including 16 — in business class. At the same time, Azur Air Ukraine flies from Ukraine to Mexico (by order of the tour operator Anex Tour Ukraine), which uses a Boeing 777-300 aircraft designed to carry 531 passengers, that is, twice as many. And although the quality of service at UIA is higher, the tour operator’s income directly depends on the number of travelers sent on vacation.
Initially, it was planned that on flights ordered by Compass, UIA would operate two Boeing 777s. However, the airline’s plans changed, and UIA had to lease one Boeing 767-300ER of much smaller capacity.
«Compass» in addition, the programs had to be adjusted. And although the Portuguese Boeing 767-300ER has its advantages — comfortable distance between seats, excellent business class, etc., many VIP clients preferred flights with regular airlines, and the economy segment was more focused on the prices offered by Anex Tour Ukraine. Tours “burned out”, prices had to be reduced, therefore the tour operator chose not to take any further risks.
Clients who have purchased tour packages on UIA flights will fly on regular flights in February, but with a transfer. In some cases, visiting countries will have to pay extra, although the amount of extra payment for many will not seem significant, since Mexico and the Dominican Republic are still expensive destinations.
Let us remind you that UIA began flying to Cancun on December 27, 2021. The airline had never flown to Mexico before. The flight frequency was set to once every 10 days.
At the same time, Azur Air Ukraine flies to Cancun from Kyiv twice a week. The airline's flights are currently scheduled until March, however, they may also be included in the summer schedule.