Ural Airlines is to fly this year’s millionth passenger on October 9, 2007. Remarkably, the carrier only reached the one-million record for the first time less than a year ago, in December 2006.

Ural Airlines’ press officer says this year the airline has managed to reach the figure at least three months earlier than a year before. The company’s passenger turnover rose by 20% on average compared to 2006. Ural Airlines has operated over 8,000 flights since the beginning of 2007, which is 10% better than last year.

‘These growth rates can be explained by the introduction of a flexible pricing policy. Our customers can now save money through early booking, seasonal offers, and sales. Then, the very system of buying a ticket got much easier: online booking offices help you save time; a wide network of places where one can book and buy includes the Russian Post offices, Euroset stores, and Bank24.ru outlets,’ the carrier reports.

In addition, the airline has been so successful due to the use of highly efficient new Airbus planes. Last week, Ural Airlines and Airbus S.A.S. signed an international agreement regarding the acquisition of new Airbus planes by the Russian carrier in the course of a solemn ceremony that took place in Sverdlovsk Region Government House.

The contract provides for the delivery of seven new Airbus planes to Russia, with another three planes due to be delivered at the beginning of 2008. Ural Airlines experts believe the new aircraft will make it possible for the company to welcome a millionth passenger two times a year.