Azur Air has applied for permission to operate two weekly flights to the US from the end of this year. On August 27th, the carrier filed an application for a foreign carrier permit and exemption from the Department of Transport in the US. Here’s what we know.
Azur Air plans Miami flights
Young Russian airline Azur Air is looking to try its hand at transatlantic flights. Earlier this week, the airline sent a proposal to the Department of Transport in the US for its permit and exemption to fly there.
The carrier hopes to provide two fights per week between Russia and Miami. It says that these flights will carry both passengers and cargo. In order to complete the service, Azur Air will use both Boeing 767-300 and Boeing 777-300.
Despite its youth and having never ventured into the United States, Azur remains confident that it will receive its permissions. In the proposal seen by Simple Flying, the airline says,
“Azur requests expedited approval of this application in order to implement its plans to commence service to the United States. Since the carrier plans to operate only two flights per week carrying passengers and cargo, the request is modest.”
If all goes well, Azur Air will begin services from December 2020.
Will Azur’s request be granted?
Currently, only one Russian airline provides year-round services to the US. Aeroflot services four destinations in the United States:
- Los Angeles;
- Miami;
- New York; and
- Washington.
With Russian competition in Miami, how successful does Azur hope to be? Well, according to Aeroflot, its services between Miami and Moscow run on Saturdays, Sundays, and Tuesdays. Azur Air could subsequently choose to fly on those days, which Aeroflot does not, soaking up custom from a potential rival.
That said, there may be a reason why Aeroflot has not added more flights to Miami to its schedule. Is it already making the most of this route with just three weekly services?
What’s more, Azur Air does not have a proven track-record anywhere in the US. That doesn’t mean that the carrier will not be able to secure its permit. But it might be a consideration.
Who is Azur Air?
Azur Air is a relatively young privately-owned Russian airline. It was formed in 2015 though it was formerly Katekavia, which was founded in 1992. It operates a Boeing-only fleet of 30 aircraft, including the two models it hopes to take to Miami.
Within the five years it has been operational, Azur Air has built up an extensive network between Russia and destinations in:
- Africa;
- the Caribbean;
- Europe;
- the Middle East; and
- Southeast Asia.
It is yet to branch into South America, the United States, or Oceania.
Do you think Azur Air’s permit will be granted? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
.jpg){kind=link}