Earlier in May 2017, Russian Aviation Insider reported that the airline this year expected to welcome additional A330, B777 and A320 aircraft as it looks to phase out its six B757-200s (four of which are already in storage).
"Economically, although that aircraft type is really good and its fuel efficiency is among the best in its class, age is taking its toll," said CEO Alexander Kochnev, as reported by Russian Aviation Insider. "The costs of continuing airworthiness procedures are becoming higher each year. This is why we will probably utilize these aircraft only until the next heavy C-checks become due, and then we will phase them out."
The remainder of VIM's current fleet comprises: four A319-100s, two A330-200s, two B737-500s, three B767-300(ER)s (one in storage), and ten B777-200(ER)s (one in storage).
VIM has an assertive expansion plan, taking on new international routes and hoping to attract more foreign travellers. It was recently awarded traffic rights for routes from Moscow to New York JFK, Miami Int'l and Los Angeles Int'l, as well as from Vladivostok to both Los Angeles Int'l and Seattle Tacoma Int'l. Late last year, VIM was also assigned several Chinese route authorities.
Understanding that the airline must be smart about its battles, Kochnev says that although they are growing, he is determined not to compete against Aeroflot (SU, Moscow Sheremetyevo).
"Instead, we are looking into niche opportunities which do not compete with Aeroflot, or where such competition is minimal. We understand perfectly well that there is no point whatsoever in facing off the state-owned flag carrier. So we have chosen another way, an Oriental philosophy if you wish, one which strategically avoids fighting and instead carves out our own niche in the market."
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