Published: 11/21/1997

At a press-briefing in October Valery Okulov, General director of Aeroflot-Russian International Airlines, reported that in the first half of 1997, the operator generated a profit of Rbs186bn (before paying tax), which roughly equals to the whole period of the previous year. The growth continued throughout the summer, when Aeroflot carried 1.3 million passengers. According to Okulov, the rise came from newly-opened domestic lines and increased frequencies on traditional routes. "Our tactic now is to open flights with a maximum frequency", the general director said. As a rule, he continued, introducing everyday service on a scheduled line instead of 2-3 flights a week makes it profitable. "We made sure this was true on the Moscow-New-York route, after we had increased the frequency to seven a week", Okulov said. In 1997, cargo traffic rose slowly, at a rate of 2%. Despite the impending arrival of the first Il-96T, the figure is not expected to change. Before entering active service, the plane will undergo operational trials. Gradually, the 13-strong Il-76 fleet will be reduced to five, which will remain operational until 2005. Okulov says that these will transport only bulky cargoes and wheeled/tracked vehicles, while the Il-96Ts and Tu-214Cs will carry standard containers. Okulov says Sheremetievo airport of Moscow has nearly exhausted its potential to grow. This becomes a limiting factor to the operator. To overcome the problem, Aeroflot created its hubs in St.Petersburg (North), Novosibirsk (Siberia), Ekaterinburg (Urals) and Vladivostok (Far East). Also under consideration are Krasnodar or Rostov-upon-Don in southern Russia. Aeroflot is ready to participate in the construction of a third runway in Sheremetievo, which will remain the major airport for the operator in the foreseeable future. The company also plans to erect its own terminal. "It will be a cost-effective module construction able to grow", Okulov says. In the darft state privatisation programme for 1998, it is planned to sell out the state stake of shares in Aeroflot (51%) during the fourth quarter of the year. The Golden Share, however, will remain in the state possession. (AL1197.5) (VK)

Article ID: 88