"Closed skies are not the end": Roman Mileshko on the Survival of Ukraine’s Aviation Sector Amid War
The war has reshaped the reality of the entire country, and key sectors of the economy that form the state's strategic capabilities are no exception. One of the most affected industries is aviation: closed skies, destroyed infrastructure, and the forced relocation of entire enterprises have created an unprecedented challenge for Ukrainian airlines.
Yet even under these extreme conditions, Ukraine’s aviation business continues to demonstrate resilience and endurance. A compelling example is the group of companies led by Roman Mileshko – a distinguished aircraft engineer of Ukraine, crisis manager, third-generation military aviator, and founder of "Constanta Airlines" the world's largest operator of the An-26 aircraft.
Roman Mileshko
In an interview with UNN, Roman Mileshko spoke about how the industry is adapting to wartime realities, the specifics of cooperation with the United Nations, why the trust of international partners is the result of decades of work, and what decisions need to be made today to preserve Ukraine’s aviation independence.
The Aviation Industry in Deep Crisis
Russia’s full-scale invasion has had a severe impact on Ukraine’s aviation sector: airspace closure, partial destruction of manufacturing capacities, and the suspension of all civilian flights. An industry that for years was a strategic asset and a flagship of Ukraine’s engineering and technical potential is now facing a deep and prolonged crisis.
“Ukrainian aviation is going through the hardest times in its already ‘turbulent’ history," says Roman Mileshko.
Indeed, most airlines have either suspended operations, relocated abroad, or ceased to exist altogether.
“Ukraine is one of the few countries with a full aircraft manufacturing cycle. This is both an advantage and an opportunity. Despite the challenges, we are still capable of building aircraft and aviation engines. We rank among the top five aircraft-producing nations.”
Wartime realities have imposed serious production and staffing challenges on the aviation industry. The sector has lost part of its critical expertise, many productions chains have been disrupted, and the stockpile of Soviet-era spare parts is steadily depleting.
“In two to three years, we may lose the ability to operate certain types of aircraft," Mileshko warns.
One of the most pressing issues concerns components for Mi-8MTV helicopters, over 50 of which are used in the civilian sector.
“Without urgent and decisive action, they could lose airworthiness within 3\4 years. And these are the primary types of combat helicopters operated by the Armed Forces of Ukraine," Mileshko emphasizes.
At the same time, the aviation entrepreneur underscores the critical importance of maintaining a Ukrainian aviation presence on the global market. Civilian operators, together with the military, generate demand for new developments, serve as customers for modernization programs, and most importantly offer international partners confidence in the reliability of Ukrainian technology, which in turn helps support the country’s defense capacity.
Adapting to Wartime Realities
Due to the war, Mileshko’s companies were forced to relocate their operations outside of Ukraine.
“We are now operating at two bases – in Slovakia and South Sudan," he explains.
The company’s primary contracts come from the United Nations. Despite losing its technical base in Zaporizhzhia and facing increased costs due to the lack of aviation sector incentives, the companies have continued operations.
“In spite of these challenges, we did not fail our clients and continue to represent Ukrainian aviation with dignity on the international stage," Mileshko said.
Moreover, as a result of sanctions imposed on Russia, Ukraine has pushed the Russian Federation out of the market and now holds a 43% share of UN mission support services. This showcases the ability of Ukrainian companies to provide high-quality aviation services, compete by the highest international standards, and maintain a workforce of qualified specialists with the necessary certifications.
The biggest obstacle for all Ukrainian aviation companies remains the inability to use infrastructure within Ukraine.
“Regular passenger carriers are facing an additional problem – the complete loss of the Ukrainian market. Ukrainian operators have lost access to their aviation-technical bases in Ukraine and, in part, to aircraft that cannot leave the country due to airspace closure for civilian aviation," says Mileshko.
Even after the war ends, the full restoration of the aviation industry will take time. Damaged or inaccessible infrastructure will require extensive modernization and reconstruction, and returning to the domestic market will only be possible once a stable security environment is established in the country.
Military Synergy and Support for the Armed Forces
Roman Mileshko’s companies provide daily support to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This includes the supply of spare parts, technical assistance, and modernization of helicopters and airplanes.
“We have supported the Armed Forces from day one – with equipment, spare parts, and financial aid. To date, we’ve provided assistance worth tens of millions of hryvnias. In addition, we are personally funding the replacement of Russian components, which is critically important for safety: the military still uses Mi-8s, Mi-24s, and Antonov aircraft," says Mileshko.
“But our support for the military is not something we seek praise for. It’s not an achievement to boast about – it’s a duty. A duty of every responsible citizen and business.”
He also stresses that in carrying out work for the military, his companies cooperate exclusively with partners that operate in accordance with international standards. Among them is MS Avia-Grade, a company he exited in 2023. His current company, H3 Operations, now serves as a technical partner to MS Avia-Grade in implementing defense-related projects.
The technical solutions delivered by MS Avia-Grade meet the world’s highest standards – a testament to the quality and expertise of Ukraine’s aviation engineering sector.
Humanitarian Operations
Under the leadership of Roman Mileshko, “Constanta Airlines” has modernized its fleet of An-26 and An-74 aircraft and become one of the most capable operators of Ukrainian-built AN aircraft for humanitarian missions. The company now operates in the international humanitarian aviation logistics segment and is the world’s largest operator of Ukrainian-made aircraft.
“Our fleet has several advantages that our clients value highly. These include the ability to use unpaved airstrips and the convenience of loading and unloading thanks to the rear ramp – a feature not found on many other aircraft. We can also carry passengers and cargo simultaneously," Mileshko reveals, sharing one of the company’s success factors
He adds that flying missions within humanitarian programs is a significant challenge for any airline. The demands for service quality are exceptionally high. Flights often take place in difficult climatic and geographical conditions and require sensitivity to multicultural environments. Additionally, international organizations and governments impose strict rules and high safety standards, along with requirements for pilot professionalism and operator experience.
“This is an extremely demanding market. Globally, only about ten companies actively operate in this segment – and one of them is Ukraine’s «Constanta Airlines».”
“We are proud to hold the status of an accredited UN carrier, which we received back in 2017," Mileshko adds.
The company also holds EASA TCO, UK TCO, and US FAA certifications, giving it access to the global aviation market.
To preserve Ukraine’s aviation industry, aviation entrepreneur Roman Mileshko proposes the urgent adoption of a realistic program for replacing Russian components with domestic or Western alternatives. This program must include dedicated funding and clearly assigned responsibilities.
Until such a program is fully implemented, he emphasizes the need to allow the import of critical spare parts manufactured before the full-scale invasion.
Additionally, it is essential to restore the tax and customs incentives that expired in 2025. Other necessary steps include enhancing export support, introducing state procurement programs, subsidizing interest rates on loans, stimulating R&D efforts, and investing in aviation education.
“It’s important to understand that preferences are not a ‘gift’ to the industry – they are an investment by the state that pays off many times over through increased exports, the creation of high-paying jobs, the development of adjacent sectors, and the strengthening of the nation’s defense capabilities," Mileshko explains.
In the long term, he stresses the importance of developing cargo and passenger aircraft, as well as unmanned aerial systems (UAS). In parallel, Ukraine should build its international reputation as a center of expertise and service for Soviet-era aircraft. This would open new paths for attracting international partners, investment, and collaborative projects.
Ukraine can also draw on effective models of aviation industry support from the EU, the US, Canada, and Brazil – including government-backed guarantees, subsidies, preferential taxation, and targeted research and development programs.
“Preferences are not handouts. They are a strategic investment in the country’s future.”
Workforce Stability and the Future of Aviation Education
Today, more than 500 professionals are employed across Roman Mileshko’s group of companies, including technical staff, administrative personnel, and pilots. The team has been preserved and continues to grow, despite the challenges of war.
“Our team is a true aviation family, built over the years,” Mileshko says. “I’ve known many of our employees since my days in military service.”
Although the staffing situation remains stable for now, the company is actively preparing for future challenges. It invests in training programs, develops aviation simulators, has established its own specialist training center, and supports aviation clubs for children.
Mileshko also addressed the topic of employee salaries, an issue raised previously in the media, where comparisons were made between pay at “Constanta Airlines” and other carriers like “SkyUp”.
“We are doing everything possible to support our employees — including salary payments even during downtime, additional assistance, and offering flexible employment opportunities within the group,” he emphasized.
“Our top priority is to keep the company alive, preserve jobs, and continue functioning despite the many challenges of wartime.”
Regarding the media comparisons, he adds:
“Comparing Constanta Airlines to “SkyUp” is not appropriate given the fundamentally different business models and financial conditions under which these companies operate.”
Countering Disinformation
Roman Mileshko also addressed several controversial topics circulated by certain Ukrainian media outlets. These included alleged ties with Russian nationals and sanctioned companies, claims of improper execution of state contracts, and accusations regarding the use of aircraft components of Russian origin.
“All of our group’s activities and my own have always been aimed at strengthening and developing an independent Ukraine," Mileshko firmly states.
One example of such commitment is the group's work on import substitution programs in aviation. He recalls that even before the full-scale invasion, his companies had begun modernizing Mi-8MTV helicopters and Antonov aircraft by replacing Soviet and Russian components with Ukrainian or Western-made alternatives.
According to him, the Ukrainian system for supporting the operation of these aircraft has no global equivalent, and it now forms the basis for military aircraft maintenance for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Mileshko links the spread of defamatory claims to a coordinated campaign by Russian intelligence services aimed at discrediting Ukraine’s aviation sector.
“Russian agents have resorted to public slander intended to damage the reputation of our group of companies, the Armed Forces, and Ukraine as a whole.”
Final Word
Roman Mileshko is not merely a witness, but an active participant in the most difficult transformation the Ukrainian aviation industry has ever faced. War, the loss of markets, physical relocation, devaluation of professional expertise, external pressure, and information attacks – his group of companies faces these challenges daily.
Yet, in every challenge, Mileshko sees not just a threat, but an opportunity for growth. Today, Ukrainian aviation is not just fighting for survival – it is proving that it can remain competitive on the global stage, even during wartime.
