FSVT reports better conditions in air transport, but recovery could be jepordised by rising fuel costs

Published: 11/29/1999

The Archangelsk Interregional Department of the FSVT has reported on the current situation in the region for the first nine months of 1999. It considers that the 9mo99 financial results submitted by the regional airlines show some encouraging signs of an upturn. Air traffic has increased by 14% over the period compared to 1998, routes have been maintained and wage arrears are showing a slight decrease. This more positive outlook has been severely undermined by the aviation fuel crisis, which has pushed ticket prices in the region beyond the reach of some passengers from the north, who given the nature of the region"s geography tend to travel more frequently than those in other parts of Russia. The FSVT noted that the flight safety record for the region is satisfactory, with nine minor failures and damage to one aircraft on the ground. In seven out of the nine failures, the cause was attributed to unspecified design faults. This compares with national statistics totalling 17 air accidents, including six crashes and 41 fatalities. In the neighbouring North-Western Department of the FSVT, one crash involving Murmansk Airlines and one accident involving a Yak-40 belonging to Novgorod Airlines occurred over the period. A total of 486 flying staff in the region include 121 captains, giving a strong pool of experienced staff. 58 crews are qualified for international flights. The air fleet, comprising nine aircraft types, is diminishing, owing to writing off and planned sales. In 1999,overhauls extended the life limits of 21 aircraft and 26 engines. The Department hopes to renew the fleet with two Il-114s, via a long term lease, secured by investments, under the protocol signed by Prime Minister Putin during his recent visit to the region. The two Il-114s are currently undergoing flight tests. According to the FSVT, the regional aviation budget of 6m rubles will be used to repair the Archangelsk airport runway. In the first nine months of 1999, 7.61m rubles have been invested in the reconstruction and upgrade of the aviation infrastructure in the region, including the installation of check-in equipment and significant repairs to Archangels airport. A radar system has been installed in Narian-Mar airport, new equipment has been put in place at Kotlas airport and Solovki airport has been partially rebuilt.

Article ID: 1134