Skytrain
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| |||||||
| Founded | 31 January 1994 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commenced operations | 22 March 1994 | ||||||
| Hubs | |||||||
| Focus cities | |||||||
| Frequent-flyer program | Star Miles | ||||||
| Subsidiaries |
| ||||||
| Fleet size | 160 | ||||||
| Destinations | 93 (Sept. 2018) | ||||||
| Company slogan | Fly with experience (current) Galleons connecting the World (1994-2017) | ||||||
| Parent company | Skytrain Group Limited | ||||||
| Headquarters | Star Tower, Business Park Ulich, Ulich, Dulebia | ||||||
| Key people |
| ||||||
| Revenue |  US$ 34.7 billion (Nov. 2018) | ||||||
| Net income | US$ 97.8 million (Nov. 2018) | ||||||
| Employees | 56,900 (2018-2019, excluding subsidiaries) | ||||||
| Website | www.skytrain.db | ||||||
Skytrain (Russian: Скайтрейн) is an airline based in Ulich, Dulebia. The airline is a subsidiary of The Skytrain Group Limited, which is partially owned by the Dulebian Government. It is one of the largest airlines in Gaia, and the biggest one in Erdara, operating over 1,780 flights per week from its several hubs positioned in the three biggest cities of Dulebia, most notably Ulich Zhdanovo International Airport in the country's capital. Skytrain operates regular flights to more than 67 cities in 25 countries across Gaia. Cargo activities of the airline are undertaken by Skytrain Cargo.
Skytrain is the world's first largest airline in scheduled revenue passenger-kilometres flown, the first-largest in Dulebia in terms of international passengers carried, while its subsidiary Skytrain Cargo is the largest in terms of freight tonne-kilometres flown in the country. From March 2016 to February 2017 Skytrain had the longest non-stop commercial flight from Dulebia to TBA.
The airline was formed in 1994, after the merger of several smaller operators and the national carrier Dulebian Airways, which went bankrupt in 1993, all being remnants of the national carrier of People's Republic of Dulebia - DAT. The merger was organised with the support of the Dulebian government, and the newly-formed airline received a huge amount of financial aid by the state in the first five years after its formation, mostly in order to replace the old aircraft in its fleet inherited from DAT. The airline received international certification in 1994, and in the next year began its international commercial flights, with its first international destination being Rakonitz in Krumlau. The Dulebian state held a major stack of 28% in the airline, but decreased it in 1999 to 14.5%. Skytrain showed a series of commercial successes in the first decade of the 21st century. The airline opened 19 new routes and purchased 107 aircraft in total from 2001 until 2008.
Skytrain operates a mix of wide- and medium-body airliners, all of which are domestically produced by NACA aircraft consortium, as well as various other domestic aircraft manufacturers. The main type in the fleet is the C878, numbering 76 aircraft. Skytrain focuses mainly on intercontinental routes but also operates numerous lines in Erdara. Domestic flights are carried by its subsidiaries, the Skytrain Express, Mura Aero and CityExpress.
History
DAT
In 1937, the Sovnarkom of the People's Republic of Dulebia published an order to unite all civil aircraft in the country under its authority. In the same year, the Narkom of Aviation of the PRD published the "Aerotransport in Dulebia". This document set the basic regulations of air transport in the country, and for the first time mentioned DAT as the name of the united civil air fleet. In the following years, DAT opened numerous passenger lines across Dulebia, and in 1942 it started the first regular flights to Hytekojuznia and Brilliania. Until 1945, the airline operated 11 domestic and 5 international routes. The new economic policies of Dulebia in the late '50s, on part with improved relations with some western countries, made it possible to open several new flights to Mascylla and Alriika.
DAT kept growing throughout the '60s and '70s, and by 1980 it was the biggest airline in the Eastern bloc, as well as one of the biggest in Gaia, operating more than 52 routes with a fleet of 179 aircraft.
Privatisation and Dulebian Airways
The collapse of the Dulebian economy following the dissolution of the People's Republic forced most strategic companies once owned and sustained by the state to commence privatisation and reorganisation in order to survive. In the case of DAT, the Dulebian Government decided to divide the airline into several smaller companies, spread the fleet among them and sell all but one company to private investors. One company was left under governmental control, and it was renamed Dulebian Airways, commencing operation in 1991. It received a small portion of the former DAT fleet, numbering only 23 aircraft, with further 2 ordered just as the airline commenced operations in April 1991. However, it is worth mentioning that Dulebian Airways received only the most modern aircraft of the former DAT. The rest of the fleet of the former flag carrier DAT was either scrapped or sold to the newly-formed private regional and international airlines, with Jet1, leisure airline formed in January 1991, receiving 68 Beriev-124s.
Dulebian Airways inherited a small part of the former international network of DAT. The poor safety record of Dulebian post-socialist airlines and the general lack of interest in international flights during the financial crisis caused numerous countries to remove the license of the Dulebian flag carrier, and the poor state of domestic airports greatly affected Dulebia's air transport infrastructure. In total, Dulebian Airways managed to sustain only 11 routes, of which 5 were international. The airline failed to attract new passengers, both domestic and international, even after numerous attempts to lower the costs of tickets. Such attempts were often accompanied by safety regulation violations and reduction of maintenance quality. The air incident of Flight 314, for example, was caused by improper maintenance of the rear cargo door of the plane. The airline was partially privatised again in November 1992, however, it was quickly discovered that the new investor has ties with the then-Prime Minister of Dulebia, Vyacheslav Mutko. On the trial against Mutko in 1997, facts of the airline usage for money laundering was disclosed.
Bankruptcy and reorganisation
The last nail in the ark for Dulebian Airways was the air crash of Flight 3461, caused by the mentally-ill flight officer. Due to the crash, the license of the airline was revoked by every country to which it had regular flights, and soon it was landed by the Dulebian Air Transport Safety Commission (DKBAT MTI). On par with that, it was disclosed that the total debt of the airline exceeded 17 billion Ћ in January 1993, more than 6 months before the crash. The Dulebian Veche placed an ultimatum to the airline to present a new business plan in the term of 3 weeks. The airline failed and was terminated in October 1993.
The financial crisis of the early '90s in Dulebia made most air transport companies unable to generate any profit. In order to prevent the complete collapse of the air transport in the country, it was decided to merge the biggest airlines in Dulebia to form a partially state-owned flag carrier. After a discussion with the investors of 4 major Dulebian airlines of the time, the merge was organised in the early months of 1994. The result of it was the formation of Skytrain. As before, it received a major part of the fleets of the merged airlines, they on par consisting mostly aged DAT aircraft. The state stack was reduced to 28%, and the Veche agreed to sustain the airline in the first five years of its existence until the domestic market stabilizes.
Recent history
The new strategy of the airline proved a commercial success. Skytrain managed to get an international license in 1994, and until 1996 it restored all of the routes once operated by Dulebian Airways, and even added new flights. The governmental aid on par with reduced prices from domestic producers in case of mass aircraft purchases gave Skytrain the opportunity to quickly renew its fleet and finally retire the heritage of DAT. The massive growth of the domestic market helped it generate a stable income, and in the early '00s Skytrain also opened 19 new international routes. The commercial success of the airline continued in the '10s, with more than 100 aircraft being obtained until 2012.
Skytrain obtained several national and international carriers in 2011-2016, including CityExpress in Dulebia, Krøtinsk Flyselsannrer in Crethia and Air Juznia in Juznia. Numerous international projects in the aviation industry were launched by the airline, these including Degusto flight catering, GoldCare Technik and Skytrain Flight Training.
Corporate affairs
Ownership
Since its formation in 1993, Skytrain was a privately-owned, shared venture between several private companies and the Government of Dulebia in the face of the Ministry of Finance. The government stake was placed at 28% in 1993, and Dulebia was tasked to help the airline in the first 5 years of its operation, however, the investment made by the government was lowered in the course of 3 years, between 1998 and 2001. In 2003, the stakes of the Government were reduced to 14%, and further to 10% the following year. In 2010, the stakes owned by the state were transferred from the Ministry of Finance to the Investment Fond of Dulebia. Dulebian investors account for 54.6% of the shares, while the rest is shared among various international commercial and non-commercial organisations.
Business trends
Key business and operating results of Skytrain for recent years are shown below (as at year ending 31 December):
| 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net profit/loss (€ m) | -43 | 94 | 106 | 498 | 677 | 881 | 721 | 990 | 1,250 | 991 | 657 | 672 | 1,015 |
| Number of employees (k at year end) | 32.1 | 33.7 | 34.9 | 37.0 | 42.7 | 44.8 | 52.9 | 52.6 | 67.9 | 54.8 | 52.5 | 53.1 | 56,9 |
| Number of passengers (m) | 51.3 | 53.4 | 62.9 | 70.5 | 77.3 | 91.2 | 100.5 | 91.3 | 114.6 | 106.0 | 107.7 | 109.7 | 130.0 |
| Passenger load factor (%) | 72.0 | 75.2 | 79.8 | 78.9 | 77.9 | 79.3 | 77.6 | 73.8 | 81.8 | 80.1 | 80.4 | 79.1 | 80.9 |
| Number of aircraft (at year end) | 53 | 61 | 62 | 128 | 133 | 145 | 134 | 154 | 176 | 175 | 170 | 154 | 160 |
Headquarters
The main headquarters of the airline is located in downtown Ulich, Dulebia. Skytrain moved to the newly-constructed Star Tower in 2016. The skyscraper has a height of 239 metres, making it one of the highest buildings both in Ulich and Dulebia. Previously, Skytrain occupied a 25-story building located next to the Ulich-Bogdan Berezutskiy International Airport, which it inherited from Dulebian Airways and DAT. Several departments, most notably Media Relations and Investor Relations are located in Kamianets.
Airline subsidiaries
In addition to its main passenger operation, Skytrain has several airline subsidiaries, including:
Wholly owned by Skytrain
- Skytrain Express - Regional airline, operating flights within Dulebia and on short-haul flights to Krumlau under the Skytrain brand.
- Skytrain Cargo - Cargo airline based in Ulich, Dulebia
- Jet1 - Dulebian leisure airline, based in Kamianets and operating flights mostly to southern countries
- CityExpress - Dulebian regional airline, operating short-haul and air taxi flights in Dulebia
- EagleAir - Dulebian leisure airline operating flights to Erdaran countries
- Globus - Dulebian low-cost airline based in Ulich
- Meridian Holidays - Dulebian tour operator and leisure airline
Partially owned by Skytrain
- Air Juznia - the flag carrier of Juznia, obtained by Skytrain in 2008 after governmental tender. Stacks shared with the Government of Juznia.
- Mura Aero - Dulebian regional airline operating domestic flights. Skytrain owns 47% of the stakes.
Other subsidiaries
- GoldCare Technik - Aircraft maintenance company. Partially-owned (50%). Established after an agreement together with the Krumlovian government in 2014.
- Skytrain Flight Training
- Degusto Sky Catering
Partner airlines
Skytrain describes Air Juznia, Alriikair, Esera, Globus as partner airlines. The partnerships mainly involve code-sharing and recognition of each other's frequent flier programmes.
Sponsorships
Currently, Skytrain is the official sponsor of the Dulebian Premier Liga football championship, as well as the main sponsor of the FC Zenit Kamianets. Skytrain covered 68% of the total payments for the construction of a new stadium for the club in 2016-2019, with the stadium gaining the name Skytrain Arena. Skytrain has shown interest in numerous international sports events, most notably the Lavarian football league.
Alliances
Fleet
The current fleet of Skytrain consists of a mix of narrow- and wide-body airliners. Mid-range jet aircraft fleet is composed only of C717 aircraft of different modifications, some of which are nearly 40 years old. Skytrain has planned a huge fleet upgrade to be done in the 2020s, with 65 aircraft ordered. The last C717 is planned to be delivered in 2029. Skytrain also operates a number of smaller regional jets of the DRJ family by NACA, with the smallest, DRJ-75, numbering 12 vehicles.
The long-haul park is composed of C818, C848 and C878 aircraft, the latter forming the backbone of the transcontinental lines of the airline. In 2016 Skytrain announced the purchase of 21 new C878-300ER, 48 878-9 and 30 818-10 aircraft, placing the biggest one-time order in the civil aviation history of Dulebia.
Current fleet
| Name | In service | Orders | F | B | E+ | E | Dates operated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-range jetliners | |||||||
| DRJ-75 | 12 | 10 | 12 | 63 | 2018 - present | ||
| DRJ-105 | 3 | 25 | 16 | 92 | 2018 - present | ||
| DRJ-125 | 16 | 16 | 125 | awaiting deliveries | |||
| DRJ-125ER | 10 | 12 | 121 | awaiting deliveries | |||
| C717-9 | 12 | 5 | 16 | 127 | 2008 - present | ||
| Long-range jetliners | |||||||
| C858-300LR | 6 | 8 | 32 | 179 | 2001 - present | ||
| C898-9 | 2 | 13 | 42 | 26 | 242 | 2017 - present | |
| C808-400ER | 3 | 24 | 254 | 1998 - present | |||
| C868-10 | 3 | 5 | 34 | 24 | 278 | 2016 - present | |
| C848-300 | 11 | 5 | 30 | 28 | 221 | 1997 - present | |
| C848-600 | 32 | 13 | 8 | 48 | 32 | 280 | 1997 - present |
| C878-300 | 10 | 11 | 66 | 90 | 198 | 1997 - present | |
| C878-300ER | 66 | 21 | 24 | 72 | 90 | 208 | 2012 - present |
| C878-9 | 48 | 24 | 72 | 90 | 208 | After 2020 (awaiting deliveries) | |
| C878-10 | 30 | 24 | 96 | 90 | 240 | After 2020 (awaiting deliveries) | |
| Total | 160 | 201 | |||||
Historical fleet
| Aircraft | Introduced | Retired | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beriev-124 | 1993 | 1998 | A fleet of 7 aircraft was inherited from Dulebian Airways |
| La-1011 | 1993 | 2006 | One aircraft was inherited from the fleet of Jet1 |
| C828 | 1993 | 1999 | 5 aircraft were inherited from Dulebian Airways |
| C828-300 | 1994 | 1998 | |
| C838-300 | 1997 | 2005 | |
| C808-200ER | 1996 | 1998 | |
| Beriev-104 | 1993 | 1995 | Inherited from Mura Aero |
| TBA | 1996 | 2011 | One aircraft operated as the flagship of the fleet until sold in 2011 |
Naming conventions
Since 1997 Skytrain gives a name to every aircraft it possesses. The name consists of Galleon and a saint or region name. It is written in the airline's dark blue colour on the nose of the aircraft. When an aircraft is decommissioned, its name is freed up and can be used by active fleet members.
Vintage aircraft restoration
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In 2014 together with the Dulebian Vintage Aircraft Club Skytrain announced the establishment of a vintage aircraft restoration facility close to the Ulich International airport. The facility consists of 2 hangars, previously operated by the airline for the maintenance of its short-haul airliners. The organisation received the name Skytrain Classic. The airline recruits retired employees, as well as volunteers.
Since its establishment, Skytrain Classic completely restored 5 aircraft, 3 of which to air-worthy condition. These include a Beriev C-49, 2 Beriev C-124, one La-1011 and one Beriev C-12. 2 aircraft returned to the Skytrain park as flying museums, 2 were transferred to the Museum of Aviation in Ulich, and one was placed outside the Kamianets airport as an open museum.
The organisation currently is restoring 3 more former Skytrain aircraft, as well as 2 fighters of the former Dulebian People's Air Force, the latter for the Museum of Aviation of Ulich. Since 2019, Skytrain Classic started to receive requests from abroad.
Destinations
Skytrain has codeshare agreements with the following airlines:
- AirBlue
- Air Juznia
- Alriikair
- Azurair
- CityExpress
- Eagle Air
- Esera
- Globus
- Jet1
- Krøtinsk Flyselsannrer
- Maskillea Airlines
- Meridian Holidays
- Mura Aero
List of destinations
| Hub |
| Focus city |
| Seasonal service |
| City | Airport | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Sangashamman | Sangashamman International Airport |  Alriika
|
| Champierre | Champierre International Airport |  Arlyon
|
| Gorritxa | Gorritxa International Airport |  Brilliania
|
| Portuberria | Portuberria - Martiriren Herria International Airport | Brilliania
|
| Saranegertu | Salbatzaile Tzobiral International Airport | Brilliania
|
| Donhaven | Donhaven International Airport |  Crethia
|
| Chervontsy | Herson International Airport |  Dulebia
|
| Dravich | Dravich Airport | Dulebia
|
| Kamianets | Kamianets International Airport | Dulebia
|
| Pokrovsk | Pokrovsk Shramovo International Airport | Dulebia
|
| Spassovsk | Spasskaya Sloboda Airport | Dulebia
|
| Ulich | Ulich Gromovo Airport | Dulebia
|
| Ulich | Ulich Zhdanovo International Airport | Dulebia
|
| Ulich | Bogdan Berezutskiy International Airport | Dulebia
|
| Vishnevsk | Vishnevsk Lavrentiy Konev Airport | Dulebia
|
| Volynsk | Volynsk-Sever Airport | Dulebia
|
| Falle | Falle International Airport |  Falle
|
| Hallsind | Hallsind International Airport |  Finium
|
| Rudruth | Rudruth International Airport |  Gerwain
|
| Krasno | Krasno International Airport |  Hytekia
|
| Pekrasta | Pekrasta International Airport | Hytekia
|
| Karsuva | Karsuva International Airport |  Juznia
|
| Laukapė | Laukapė International Airport | Juznia
|
| Višnevas | Višnevas International Airport | Juznia
|
| Aahof | Aahof International Airport |  Krumlau
|
| Born | Born International Airport | Krumlau
|
| Ihlenburg | Ihlenburg International Airport | Krumlau
|
| Kaplawa | Kaplawa International Airport | Krumlau
|
| Nordgau | Nordgau International Airport | Krumlau
|
| Rakonitz | Rakonitz International Airport | Krumlau
|
| Vladika | Vladika International Airport | Krumlau
|
| Wippingen | Wippingen International Airport | Krumlau
|
| Aniarro | Aniarro International Airport |  Lavaria
|
| Beaulneville | Beaulneville International Airport | Lavaria
|
| Boisbelle | Boisbelle International Airport | Lavaria
|
| Cambra | Cambra International Airport | Lavaria
|
| Lilienburg | Lilienburg International Airport |  Lilienburg
|
| Dewal | Dewal International Airport |  Lluthia
|
| Dyntref | Dyntref International Airport | Lluthia
|
| Geffylauynys | Geffylauynys International Airport | Lluthia
|
| Liliddinas | Liliddinas International Airport | Lluthia
|
| Starksdraethau | Starksdraethau International Airport | Lluthia
|
| Flussmund | Flussmund International Airport |  Mascylla
|
| Königsreh | Königsreh–Albert Polschnitz Airport | Mascylla
|
| Langquaid | Langquaid International Airport | Mascylla
|
| Ćmielów | Ćmielów International Airport |  Oseva
|
| Czarna Woda | Czarna Woda International Airport | Oseva
|
| Darlowo | Darlowo International Airport | Oseva
|
| Jaworzno | Jaworzno International Airport | Oseva
|
| Kaliga | Kaliga International Airport | Oseva
|
| Gerrack | Gerrack International Airport |  Penntia
|
| Magathan | Magathan International Airport | Penntia
|
| Perruth | Perruth International Airport | Penntia
|
| Sennhan | Senngan International Airport | Penntia
|
| Treleath | Kaliga International Airport | Penntia
|
| Aqrū | Aqrū International Airport |  Siphria
|
| Valhamn | Valhamn International Airport |  Svaldheim
|
| Lazhyan | Lazhyan International Airport |  Tayar
|
| Kaerlund | Kaerlund International Airport |  Tuskval
|
| Kyuko | Kyuko International Airport | Tuskval
|
| Rhinmond | Rhinmond International Airport | Tuskval
|
| Thveiti | Thveiti International Airport |  Velsken
|
| Andraid | Andraid International Airport |  Vetonia
|
| Berné | Berné International Airport | Vetonia
|
| Camuns | Camuns International Airport | Vetonia
|
Services
Catering
Catering on Skytrain flights from is provided by Degusto Flight Catering which operates one of the largest airline catering facilities in the world. Skytrain also offers special meal options, in all classes, based on age, dietary restrictions, preference and religious observance. Special meals must be ordered in advance, at least 24 hours before the flight departure time.
For its Continental class passengers, Skytrain has a number of special offers, including an a lá carte dinner, consisting of 4 meals plus dessert. The a la carte is available only on long haul flights, and can be ordered as a separate option during ticket purchase online. Apart from that, Continental and Explorer class passengers have at least 2 meals on their flights, the number depending on the duration of the flight. On the longest routes, Skytrain offers breakfast, afternoon breakfast, dinner and supper, and Continental class passengers can also enjoy overnight light meal bar on long-haul aircraft of the company. During overnight short-haul flights, Explorer class passengers can order food at any time apart from take-off and landing.
Cabins
Skytrain Continental Class
There are two types of first-class seating; newer long-haul aircraft feature fully enclosed suite with a ceiling to floor door with doors that close but don’t extend to the ceiling, while older airliners of the company have unenclosed suites. Both suites come complete with a mini-bar, a coat rack and storage. They also feature the Skytrain FLY system on a 23-inch-wide (58 cm) LCD screen in the open suites and a 32-inch-wide (81 cm) on the fully enclosed suite. The seat converts into a 2-metre-long (79 in) fully flat bed. Newer private suits, apart from upgraded privacy, also feature more storage compartment, mini-bar, customly-regulated lightning, and real-time view from an external-mounted camera. Middle-row seats also feature a window simulation integrated in their FLY entertainment system. Recently Skytrain announced that satellite phone connection will be installed in its Continental class.
On its newly delivered aircraft First class, apart from the upgraded private suites, features two shower-equipped lavatories and spa, and access to the first/business class bar area and lounge. Premium class seating is located in the front of the aircraft.
Skytrain introduced this new Continental Class cabin for the fleet on 12 November 2017 and the first flight to Mascylla and Crethia on 1 December 2017. The new First Class cabin is configured with eight to twelve suites on a 1-2-1 layout. Both the middle suites are equipped with 3 virtual windows which are high definition LCD screens which relay real-time image using the HD cameras on either side of the aircraft.
Amenities include 2 minibars placed on either side of the entertainment screen, a 13 inch tablet with a front camera to communicate with the cabin crew and to order room service. For first class passengers, the usage of the onboard Wi-Fi is free. A panel to control the lighting and temperature inside the suite. Skytrain has also introduced a new seat, which features a new zero-gravity position. The suites are meant to give the maximum amount of privacy, comfort and functionality to its passengers.
Skytrain Explorer Business Class
Business-class on long-haul aircraft of the airline feature seats with a 1.5-metre-long (60 in) pitch that recline to 2-metre-long (79 in), angled lie-flat beds. Amenities include massage function, privacy partition, winged headrest with six-way movement, an individual reading light, an overhead light per seat, and a decoration light, in-seat power supply, USB Ports and an RCA socket for laptop connection, over 600 channels of entertainment on FLY, shown on a 17 in-wide (43 cm) TV screen. The seats recline to form a fully flat bed and are equipped with personal mini-bars. Due to the unique staggered layout, two-thirds of the business class seats on Skytrain liners are individual, while one-third features dual seats. Skytrain Business class features the best privacy in its class due to the unique layout of 2 rows in one seat section, with dual seats in the first row and 4 individual seats in the second row of the section. Business class passengers also have access to an onboard bar at the front of the aircraft.
Short-haul aircraft of the airline feature 36 in pitch, massage function, 17 in (43 cm) LCD screen, USB and RCA ports and a reading light.
Skytrain Economy Class
Skytrain Economy class offers a 79–81-centimetre-long (31–32 in) seat pitch on short-haul and 86 cm (34 in) on long-haul series aircraft and standard seat width. Skytrain has eight to ten seats per row on its long-haul fleet, depending on the aircraft model. The seat features adjustable headrests, a 3000 channel FLY In-Flight-Entertainment and in-seat laptop power-outlets on newer aircraft and laptop recharging facilities in galleys in older aircraft. There is additional recline on C878 economy class seats.
Some aircraft of the company feature experimental premium economy seating, with 7 seats per row, with bigger LCD screens, additional recline and pitch, bigger selection of meals and personal reading lights. While currently available only on selected flights, Skytrain announced that the premium economy will be integrated in the airline's long-haul fleet, should it prove financially-promising.
In-flight Entertainment System
FLY is the in-flight entertainment system operated by Skytrain.
FLY was introduced to the public for the first time in 2014. The system was revolutionary for the industry. It consists of a wide LCD screen mounted in the seat, touchscreen display, and a controller. The system is installed on most long-haul aircraft of the airline, and in all three classes, altho different classes provide different amount of extras and screen width. In its basic, economy class variant, FLY offers the passengers a selection of 3500 movies, 1800 podcasts in several languages, live HD translation from 5 cameras installed outside the aircraft, "Virtual window" technology simulating the view from the windows of the plane in HD quality for the middle row passengers, the daily news in 15 languages, live GPS tracking of the plane, 5 messenger apps, as well as a collection of 150 games. Apart from that, FLY screens have integrated 220V and USB ports, and are connected to the onboard Wi-Fi.
Since 2017, FLY also offers a "Kids mode" function for the parents that can be turned on and off from other screens on the same row after a request to the flight attendants. The system also supports co-op games that can be played by up to 3 people from their screens. FLY has a collection of 3800 songs but also supports personal audio- and video-playback via Bluetooth. Skytrain also offers single-use headsets in all classes excluding Economy.
The system is installed on almost all long-haul aircraft of the airline. A simplified version is installed in the Business class of newer generation short-haul aircraft of Skytrain. The airline has announced its plans to develop a similar system for the Economy class of the short-haul fleet, but for now, a date for its installation was not announced.
FLY has already been criticized by safety experts due to its high electricity consumption rate and the risks of fires in case of overloading. There are also opinions that FLY might affect the aircraft's navigational equipment, or can be used for hacker attacks against the central computer of the machine. For now, there were no incidents with FLY reported by Skytrain. However, its predecessor has been named the cause of the crash of Flight 252 in 2014, causing severe damage to the reputation of in-flight entertainment systems. FLY was extensively upgraded in order to prevent future accidents involving its wiring. The cyber defence of the system is constantly upgraded to ensure the safety of the passengers.
Lounges
Skytrain operates three types of lounges within its destination network: Continental lounge, Explorer, and Welcome Lounges. Each departure lounge is accessible both through travel class or Miles status; the Welcome Lounge is limited to arriving premium passengers of the Skytrain Business only.
Skytrain also operates a dedicated first class terminal at Bogdan Berezurskiy International Airport in Ulich. The first terminal of its kind, access is limited only to departing Skytrain Continental Class. Approximately 58 staff care for approximately 150 passengers per day in the terminal, which features a full-service restaurant, full bar, cigar lounge, relaxation rooms, and offices, as well as bath facilities and spa.
Hotels
Skytrain established its own hotel chain in 1999. Continental hotels are built in numerous major airports, both throughout Dulebia and in other international airports. Skytrain ensures rooms for transfer passengers from Explorer Class and Presidental rooms for transferring Continental Class passengers. In case of a cancelled flight, all passengers get rooms in Continental hotels if they're present on the airport until a new flight is arranged.
Limousines
Complimentary chauffeur-driven airport transfers are available Continental Class passengers in over 4 cities in Dulebia.
It was known that Skytrain used Andkar M-Class cars for Continental Class passengers in Ulich, however, as of March 2017, Skytrain has upgraded its fleet of cars for passengers to brand new Gladiator 5 Series touring cars.
The type of vehicle varies depending on the location and service provider that the airline has signed a contract within that area.
Until 2018, Skytrain also offered chauffeur service to business class passengers, however, due to the low interest the service was terminated, and the vehicle fleet was donated.
Programs
Skytrain Star Miles Program
Skytrain's frequent-flyer programme is called Star Miles and is shared among several airlines, including all of Skytrain's subsidiary airlines, like Azurair, Eagle Air, CityExpress and Mura Aero,as well as international partners and subsidiaries, like Esera, Crethian Airways and Air Juznia. Star Miles members may earn miles on Skytrain flights and partner flights, as well as through Skytrain credit cards, and purchases made through the Skytrain shops. Status within Star Miles is determined by miles flown during one calendar year with specific partners. Membership levels include: Star member (no minimal threshold), Adventurer (Silver, 35,000-mile (56,000 km) threshold or 30 individual flights), Explorer (Gold, 100,000-mile (160,000 km) threshold), and Continental Circle (Black, 600,000-mile (970,000 km) threshold over two calendar years). All Miles status levels higher than Miles member offer lounge access and executive bonus miles, with the higher levels offering more exclusive benefits.
Apart from Skytrain lounges, Star Miles members can also enjoy shared lounges of Skytrain Group members on various international airports where airline's own lounges are not available.
Skytrain Business
Skytrain has exclusive offers to business passengers. Those include upgraded Miles program with a higher range of products. Skytrain can arrange business jet flights for its business customers carried by its subsidiary CityExpress. Also, it can book hotels in other countries for the business passengers to stay in while abroad. If needed, Skytrain can also provide personal experienced drivers in some cities. The Business program is being developed and already has contracts with numerous corporations.
Skytrain has created a huge network of connection with other airlines of Erdara, creating a highly-developed infrastructure. Business passengers can use it to ease their transfer and reduce the time needed to travel from point A to B. Skytrain Business ensures the fastest check-in for frequent-flyers. The airline also offers quick transfer to the Dulebian Rail Services. Both companies have signed codeshare agreement, and tickets for both services can be booked on Skytrain's website. For business passengers, the company assures transportation between airports and railway stations inside Dulebia. Skytrain has agreements with two major car rental companies in Dulebia that provide its fleet of business vehicles within the country and abroad.
Divisions
Skytrain Express
Skytrain Express is the domestic carrier subsidiary of Skytrain. It serves all the routes inside Dulebia. The airline is also used to transport passengers between different domestic airports to the main hub at Ulich for their transfer flights. Skytrain Express operates mainly small regional aircraft but also has several C717 aircraft in its park. The airline is the third-biggest in Dulebia and one of the biggest regional airlines in Gaia. Apart from Skytrain Express itself, several other airlines, like Mura Aero and CityExpress operate domestic flights under Skytrain Express livery and codes.
Skytrain Cargo
Skytrain Cargo is the air freight division of Skytrain. It began operations in October 1985 and launched its own aircraft services in 2001 with a FISAR 878F Freighter. It serves 10 exclusive cargo destinations, besides others in common with the Skytrain passenger network.
Incidents and accidents
- On May 26th, 1995, Skytrain Flight 3152, a Beriev C-124 (registration MB-341), flying between Pokrovsk and Chervontsy, crashed during take-off due to improper configuration of the plane. During the take-off, the second pilot accidentally turned on the engine reverses, causing insufficient airflow. 12 passengers and 1 flight attendant were killed from the 98 passengers and 5 crew onboard, another 42 were seriously injured.
- On April 11th, 1997, Skytrain Flight 112, a C878-300 (registration MB-757), operating a flight between Sangashamman and Ulich, collided with an agricultural plane upon landing. The pilot of the agricultural plane was killed on sight, while the Skytrain airliner suffered from serious damage to the right landing gear. The plane managed to land but was damaged beyond repair after its right engine hit the tarmac. Only minor injuries were reported among its passengers.
- On August 3rd, 2003, Skytrain Flight 6, an C717-7 (registration MB-XV2), operating a flight between Kamianets and Pokrovsk, suffered from a bird strike during take-off. The plane hit a flock of seagulls, and lost engine 1, which caught fire afterwards. The flight crew managed to return the plane safely to Kamianets. No casualties were reported.
- On June 15th, 2014, Skytrain Flight 252, a C858-300 (registration MB-25M), operating a flight between Pokrovsk and Königsreh, caught fire just before take-off due to an electric arc caused by overloading of the wiring by the newly-installed in-flight entertainment system. The fire was located only 12 minutes after take-off, at which point it had already reached the cabin, as well as the middle fuel tank, and had caused major damage to the hydraulic and electrical systems of the plane. During an attempt to turn the aircraft back to Pokrovsk, the crew lost control at an altitude of 1900 meters, after which the plane crashed in a forest. All 294 passengers and 15 flight crew died in the incident, making it the worst incident in the history of the company.
- On November 2nd, 2018, Skytrain Flight 2234, an C717-7 (registration MB-A34), operating a flight between Tanaus and Ulich, crashed during an attempted visual approach to the runway in fog. The plane missed the runway and landed only 15m meters to the right. During the landing, the landing gear and the left engine were damaged beyond repair. Several minor injuries and one broken leg were reported.
Gallery
Old Skytrain Continental Class onboard C858-300 in Chervontsy, 23.03.2015
Bar onboard FISAR C878-300ER.
Skytrain Explorer Class, FISAR C858-300.
Economy class cabin of a C868-10 aircraft.
C868-10 in Skytrain retro livery
Concept economy class cabin of a C878-9. 48 aircraft were ordered by Skytrain
The new Explorer cabin concept. Planned to be introduced in 2020 on the new generation C878 liners
Domestic Explorer Lounge, Zhdanovo International.
See also
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