Bashkirskaya Republic splits Ufa International Airport from Bashkirsky Airlines

Published: 1/12/2000

A decree issued by the government of Bashkirskaya Republic has separated Ufa international airport from Bashkirsky Airlines (BAL). Management for the new enterprises was established in November 1999, when Vilghelm Kapp, previously General Director of BAL was replaced by Vilmer Gaziyev and was appointed General Director of the international airport. According to Kapp, the move is intended to attract the additional investment needed to upgrade the airport. Suggesting that as with many other air companies seeking finance from international institutions such as the EBRD, the breaking of the relationship between airline and airport is regarded as a prerequisite for investment. Ufa airport is currently having its international terminal rebuilt to fully exploit the airport"s capability, with landing possible with a 30m ceiling and 400m visibility. The runway is 20m wider than that of the other major airport in the region Kazan. Ufa is also relatively immune to the current to the shortage of fuel confronting many airports, due to a direct pipeline connection with a refinery, helping minimise the flight delays that have beset many airports. It is expected that the new terminal, which was originally muted in 1997, is capable of handling 200 passengers an hour, will be operational by 1st October 2000. Estimates suggest that, by 2004, Ufa could become the biggest airport in the Urals-Volga region. Associated articles: www.concise.org 25th 1997, 8th July 1999,11th August 1999, 4th October 1999, 9th November 1999

Article ID: 1300