Supernova Airlines Eyes Expansion with US Cargo Operations
Supernova Airlines, the Ukrainian carrier that took flight in May 2023, is set to embark on an ambitious venture into all-cargo operations with plans to establish routes to New York. The move is aimed at supporting its parent company, Nova Poshta, while also developing a dedicated cargo segment to cater to third-party companies and the broader Ukrainian market.
To realize this initiative, Supernova Airlines has formally applied to the US Department of Transportation (DOT) for a foreign air carrier permit and exemption authority. The carrier is designated by the State Aviation Administration of Ukraine (SAAU) to operate scheduled flights between Kyiv and New York, as well as Lviv and New York. However, due to airspace closures resulting from the conflict in Ukraine, the airline intends to operate its flights from alternative European Union authorized points, including Rzeszow Jasionka in Poland or Liège in Belgium.
In its regulatory filing, Supernova Airlines outlines plans to initially limit its US routes to New York but expresses the potential for expansion to additional US points in the future based on demand. The carrier aims to operate a minimum of three weekly all-cargo flights to New York or other US destinations, with the possibility of increasing to five flights per week from specific EU airports, incorporating a fueling stop.
Crucially, Supernova Airlines envisions deploying at least two widebody freighters for these operations, although the specific aircraft types remain undisclosed. The intention is to facilitate non-stop flights between the European Union and the United States, avoiding technical stops. Additionally, the airline plans to introduce at least one Boeing B737-800 freighter through a wet-lease arrangement.
The company is actively working towards obtaining a Boeing B737-800 freighter to augment its existing Air Operating Certificate, which currently includes two An-26-100 aircraft. While the B737-800 freighter will necessitate a fueling stop initially, the carrier is strategically positioning itself to bridge cargo connectivity between Europe and the US.
As Supernova Airlines charts its course into the competitive air cargo market, the successful realization of its US operations hinges on obtaining DOT approval, paving the way for the carrier to play a pivotal role in enhancing freight services and bolstering connections between Ukraine, the EU, and the United States.