Local airports the major causalities

Published: 3/31/2000

The Deputy Director of FSVT Karl Ruppel speaking at an international airport conference has reported that the number of Russian airports decreased by 8% from 579 airports in 1998 to 533 airports in 1999. The fall in the number of airports in 1999 was largely driven by the closure of local airports suffering disproportionately from the 4% decline in passenger volumes. Declines that were blamed by Ruppel on the steep rise is fuel costs of almost 200% leading to substantial increases in airport charges and airline tickets with the consequent effects on traffic. Ruppel also said that the FSVT was undertaking several measures to improve the safety and efficiency of airports. The measures include: Ø Stricter licencing Ø Tight control of airport pricing and fees Ø Proper administration of the state"s airport assets The manifestation of this tightening is already evident in the concern of many smaller carriers that they may have their licences withdrawn, such a Savial in Yakutsk. The state has also begun to lay out its plans for the creation of a holding company to control the states airline and airport assets, with a suggestion that airport may be controlled by a single body.

Article ID: 1637