Tyumenaviatrans (TAT) has reported that the United Nations has extended TAT's contract in support of peace-making missions using Mi-26s in EastTimor and Sierra Leone for a further 3 months (182 words)

Published: 2/7/2001

Despite this contract extension and other successes, TAT still holds the view that its overall performance, which it regards as good, has not been recognised, echoed by spokesperson, Inessa Gouseva, when she enquired, “Why don't people believe we are really showing improvement?” The answer to Ms. Gouseva, is likely to be found in the roller-coaster performance of this airline and helicopter operator in recent years. Though currently helped along by heavy UN contracts and a buoyant oil price (improving airline operations in its home region of Tyumen), it is seen as being extremely vulnerable to any change in either - the former being largely paid in hard currency. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the airline has already signed contracts for $16.5m this year and has seen a 140% jump in revenues (in $ terms) during the first nine months of 2000, with passenger numbers up by 56%.

Article ID: 2344