Russia’s VIM Airlines mulls A320neo order

Russia’s VIM Airlines is considering ordering the Airbus A320neo, the carrier said in a statement.

The airline said it is attracted by the neo’s 15% fuel burn reduction compared to the A320ceo and by the fact that the A320neo’s cockpit is similar to aircraft it already operates, which would allow for reduced pilot training costs. Moscow-based VIM currently operates the A319 and A330.

The carrier also operates the Boeing 737, 757, 767 and 777. VIM’s total fleet comprises 24 aircraft. VIM carried 2.07 million passengers in 2016, up 30.2% year-over-year.

S7 Airlines became the first A320neo operator in Russia earlier in July.