Latvian cargo carrier to be first to operate Il-76 on an unlimited basis after the signing of the bilateral accord with the EU

Published: 10/14/1999

Latvian cargo carrier, Inversija, is hoping to be “the first company able to offer the Il-76 in the European marketplace”, as a result of the opening up of EU air space to Latvian airlines, under the recently signed bilateral protocol on Latvia's membership of the European Common Aviation Area (ECAA) (www.concise.org 7th October 1999). According to Andy Lewis, Director of operations for Inversija's partner, AirRep, the protocol means that the carrier “will no longer have to apply for 5th freedom permits”. Inversija's favourable position is due to an early safety audit of the operator by the EU. Under the conditions of the protocol, the approval grants the airline unlimited access to the market. Ten further states will follow Latvia over the next year, but AirRep hopes that Inversija's early Il-76 advantage will give them a 'clear edge' using the Latvian airline's three Il-76Ts.

Article ID: 975