Published: 12/12/1997

The geographic position of Russia enables foreign operators to have the shortest international air routes by flying over Russian territory. Thus, the Federal Aviation Service (FAS) has outlined priorities in the most rational use of Russian airspace, first deputy director of the FAS, Viktor Galkin tells ConCISe. The FAS will work to form air routes with high capacity and a proper level of flight safety. The Far Eastern route, which is so far not used by foreign companies, is the priority. "If we give the facility to use it, the annual increase of transportation along these routes may amount to 6 percent," Galkin said. Another priority is the trans-Siberian route for flights from Europe to Japan and south-east Asia. The FAS is also working on developing a promising route from Canada to south-east Asia, via Russia and Kazakhstan. This is the shortest route which has yet to be used. "The need for such a route is very high, and we will provide for maximum capacity of the route and its maximum profitability" he said, adding that foreign airlines will pay an average US$60 for every 100km of airway flown. (IN1297.7) (VZ)

Article ID: 100