ANALYSIS AND DEVELOPMENT TRENDS OF THE AVIATION INDUSTRY OF UKRAINE IN THE POST-WAR PERIOD

The article describes the features of the functioning of the aviation industry of Ukraine in a difficult economic and political situation. The role of the aviation sector as an important component of the national economy of Ukraine is considered. The main indicators of air transport activity are analyzed and the dynamics of passenger traffic at Ukrainian airports and the dynamics of passenger and cargo transportation volumes in the pre-war period are presented. It is emphasized that before the conflict, the Ukrainian aviation industry, despite a temporary reduction in traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrated high rates of recovery and development. However, the war demonstrated the vulnerability of the industry, particularly due to its dependence on geopolitical factors, which threatened its stability. The study considers the potential change in the business models of Ukrainian airlines and their reorientation to the external European market. Statistical data on the activities of Ukrainian airlines that were able to operate in foreign air markets are presented. Special attention is paid to the issue of the restoration of air traffic in the post-war period and the possibility of opening the airspace of Ukraine. The need for a comprehensive approach to restoring air traffic, ensuring flight safety, modernizing infrastructure, and maintaining the professional level of aviation personnel was emphasized. Particular attention is paid to the need to cooperate with international partners and aviation regulators to create risk insurance mechanisms. The resumption of air traffic depends on the situation on the front line, the level of airspace protection, and the need for significant investments. A plan of future actions is presented regarding the prospects for the further development of civil aviation in Ukraine. It is shown that the restoration of civil air traffic in Ukraine can be achieved by ensuring the following stages: the first is ensuring flight safety and introducing risk insurance instruments, the second is preparing the technical condition of aviation infrastructure and personnel, the third is the restoration of air traffic and the return of air carriers to the country’s airspace.