VIM-Avia (also known as VIM Airlines) introduced the first Airbus А319-111 aircraft into its fleet in the network of the carrier’s fleet renewal and expansion program. The jet in red-white VIM-Avia livery arrived in Domodedovo airport (Moscow), the carrier’s press-service reports.

«VIM-Avia has been operating a single-type Boeing 757-200 fleet for more than 10 years. At that time the airline focused mainly on charter segment and it was one of the Russia’s largest charter carriers. The single-type fleet provided the airline with several advantages. In particular, the company gained additional flexibility in terms of schedule allowing it to become one of the most mobile carriers always having reserve aircraft with the same capacity. However, later VIM-Avia changed the balance between charter and regular flights (the share of regular flights reached 80%). Thus the carrier needed to operate aircraft having different configuration and performance. This situation resulted in decision to elaborate and implement the fleet renewal and expansion program by means of purchasing Russian-produced and foreign-produced aircraft», - the airline noted.

In 2013 VIM-Avia signed a number of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the largest Russian and foreign airframers. Under one of these agreements, which should be implemented in 2014, two Airbus А319 – 111 aircraft were delivered to the carrier. Medium-haul Airbus А319 jet is the smaller version of Airbus А320 with an extended range. The airliner offers high reliability and fuel-efficiency, meets all the Russian and international requirements in terms of flight safety and environmental protection, press-service of VIM-Avia added.

Presumably, the VIM-Avia’s A319s feature a single-class cabin layout seating 150 passengers; the aircraft’s age is 5 years. The aircraft will be operated on VIM-Avia’s traditional routes and will also be used for further expansion of the carrier’s route network. At that in the network of fleet renewal program the total number of aircraft operated by the airline will not decrease. The program for retraining of aircrews and maintenance personnel has been elaborated. «In accordance with the airline’s business plan, the passenger traffic will increase in 2014 (the bulk of the passenger traffic growth will be attributed to regular flights). In future VIM-Avia plans to strengthen its positions at the market and expand its geography of flights. The new aircraft (just like the rest of the carrier’s fleet) will be stationed in Moscow Domodedovo airport», - the carrier noted.