An-2 biplane continues to deliver in Russia's Northern communities

Published: 9/27/1999

Despite a shortage of funds, Tomsk Avia plans to finish overhauling its nine An-2 single engine multi purpose biplanes, used for reaching small communities in the region, for operation in 2000 according to local media reports. The aircraft will be overhauled in Shakhty in the Rostov Region, which is considered to be the cheaper option over the other certified center in the region, Krasnoyarsk. The five An-2s overhauled so far have had their lifespan extended by four years for Rb150,000 ($6000) each. As barter is not available Tomsk will unusually have to pay Rb1.25m rubles in cash. The airline remains confident that it will resume flying to Kargasok and Sredny Vasyugan, 400 kilometers north west of Tomsk, as the Kargasok administration has already reserved 60 tons of fuel to support the unprofitable route. Despite being owed Rb2m, the airline has virtually no fuel reserves, following last month's increase from Rb4,000 to Rb10,000 per ton, with only emergency flights being operated as medical services are unable to pay their debts. The flight is currently sold for 250 rubles Tomsk - Kargosk and 360 rubles Tomsk- Sredny Vasyugan. In the view of the local press report, Tomsk Avia still looks in better shape than its competitors in neighbouring regions, who do not have nine airworthy

Article ID: 906