Aeroflot LCC subsidiary Pobeda Airlines intends to increase traffic by 40% and carry at least 10m passengers in 2019 as the carrier expands its aircraft fleet and network. Pobeda will increase its fleet from 24 to 30 Boeing 737-800s by the beginning of summer, and in November is scheduled to begin receiving up to 15 737 MAXs from lessor SMBC Aviation Capital. The carrier has already announced 10 new destinations for the IATA 2019 summer schedule, with more anticipated. Pobeda’s summer schedule will include about 120 destinations, up 30% year-over-year. At least 47 domestic and international flights will be operated from several regions of Russia, excluding Moscow airports. Pobeda carried 7.2m passengers in 2018, up 56.8% YOY. The average load factor reached 94%. <br/>
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Air Vanuatu has ordered 2 Airbus A220-100s and 2 A220-300s, making it the launch customer for the A220 in the South Pacific. The order, announced at the start of the Avalon air show in Australia, is the first Airbus purchase by Air Vanuatu, and will form a major part of its future growth plans. The first delivery from the order is due in June 2020. CE Derek Nice said: “These aircraft will be deployed to operate on our current domestic and international routes, including our newly announced non-stop Melbourne-Vanuatu service, and will bolster plans to expand our network in the South Pacific.” Pratt & Whitney PW1500G engines power all A220s, and at list prices the 4 aircraft are valued at US$345m. The carrier currently operates 1 Boeing 737-800, an ATR 72, 3 Viking Air DHC-6-300 Twin Otters and 2 Britten-Norman Islanders. <br/>