GeoSky Airlines Shifts to Cargo, Retires Boeing 737s: latest News

GeoSky Airlines, a prominent Georgian carrier, has announced a major strategic shift. Effective April 2025, Geosky will cease passenger operations and retire its Boeing 737 fleet to focus exclusively on cargo services. This move marks the end of GeoSky’s passenger brand, Georgian Wings, and underscores the airline’s commitment to strengthening its position in the global freight market.

A New Era for GeoSky

Founded in 2017, GeoSky has been a key player in Georgia’s aviation sector, particularly in cargo transportation. The airline’s decision to pivot entirely to cargo operations comes as it seeks to capitalise on its established expertise and Georgia’s strategic location as a transit hub between Asia and Europe. In 2022, GeoSky’s cargo operations generated $131.4 million in revenue, accounting for roughly 25% of Georgia’s aviation market.

Fleet Transformation

As part of this transition, GeoSky has retired its ageing Boeing 737-300 aircraft, previously used for passenger services under Georgian Wings. The airline’s current and retired fleet details are as follows:

• Retired Passenger Fleet:
  • Boeing 737-300: Two aircraft (registrations 4L-GEK and 4L-UKA), aged 33.1 and 26.4 years, respectively, each with 148 economy seats. These fuel-inefficient planes were retired due to high operational costs.
  • ATR 42/72: Two wet-leased turboprops, returned before the end of passenger operations.

• Active Cargo Fleet:
  • Boeing 747-200: Two aircraft continue to serve GeoSky’s cargo routes, despite their age and high fuel consumption.
  • Boeing 757-200: One aircraft, introduced in 2022, supports cargo operations.
  • Boeing 767-300ER(BCF): Two modern cargo aircraft, added in 2024, enhance GeoSky’s capacity for long-haul freight routes.

Why the Shift?

GeoSky’s passenger operations, launched in July 2023, served destinations like Prague, Baku, and Sharm el-Sheikh. However, the Boeing 737-300s’ age and inefficiency, coupled with rising fuel costs and competitive pressures, made passenger services unsustainable. By contrast, GeoSky’s cargo operations have thrived, navigating challenges like regional conflicts and supply chain disruptions—the addition of fuel-efficient Boeing 767-300ER(BCF) aircraft in 2024 further bolsters GeoSky’s cargo capabilities.

Looking Ahead

GeoSky’s leadership, led by President Shalva Kiknadze, sees the cargo focus as a path to growth. The airline’s modernised fleet and strategic partnerships, such as dry leases with NAS Aircraft Leasing Company, position it to meet global demand for freight services. However, reliance on older Boeing 747-200s raises sustainability concerns, and GeoSky will need to continue investing in newer aircraft to stay competitive.

GeoSky’s pivot reflects broader trends in aviation, where cargo operations offer stability amid volatile passenger markets. As the airline charts this new course, it remains a vital player in Georgia’s aviation landscape and a key link in global trade.