New structure still under discussion

Published: 6/22/2000

The reabsorption of the Russian aviation authority, the FSVT, into the Ministry of Transport is still being discussed according to sources within the FSVT and a plan, which outlines its structure within the Ministry, has been submitted for consideration. The plan is reported to largely keep the structure of the organisation in tact, although some of the support functions such as personnel will disappear or be absorbed into those of the Ministry of Transport. The most nervous of the FSVT personnel are those within the International Relations Department, who are responsible for the negotiation of bilateral agreements. This function is mirrored in the Ministry of Transport and the FSVT department was spun out of the Ministry when the FSVT was given independent status in 1996. The function of the department therefore remains within the Ministry of Transport and the overlap of the FSVT personnel suggests that current nervousness about job security may be justified. Despite Andreyev's comments that the autonomy of the service will be largely maintained under the new structure, it seems that his position remains in some doubt. Reports have suggested that the Ministry may be eager to make sure that the service remains securely within the Ministry and that Andreyev will be replaced, not by a strong politically connected successor, as suggested by some earlier reports, but by Alexander Neradko, the service's current Head of Air Safety. Neradko is seen as a capable bureaucrat, but unlikely to take an aggressive path in defining the service's independence within the Ministry. The activities of the service at present seem to be in limbo awaiting decisions being made. This is delaying the issuing of route licences, although the development of the polar routes are reported to be going ahead.

Article ID: 1869