Discussions of assistance in the running of Bagdad Airport (250 words)

Published: 9/15/2000

After the recent easing of restrictions on air travel with Iraq, Ivan Komarov, the General Director of OAO Aviation Company Altai, which operates Barnaul airport Reported that during recent meetings in Baghdad with the Ministry of Transportation, the Iraqi's expressed its interest in hiring the company to assist in the management of the airport in Baghdad. The potential contract according to Komarov, could bring considerable benefits to the company. Altai started operating Barnaul airport 3 years ago after inheriting the assets of the bankrupt Barnaul State Aviation Enterprise, and since that point has achieved a siginificant improvement in Barnaul's performance. According to Komarov over the last 3 years there have been no aircraft delays due to the airport and Altai has invested considerably in improving facilities currently the repair and modernisation of aircraft parking, taxiways, airport's building. The airport has seen considerable growth in both passenger and cargo traffic. The opening of the restructured runway in July 1999 linked with competitive rates has encouraged cargo traffic. With carriers, such as Ilavia and East Line, having doubled their flights to the airport. Passenger traffic has also grown as new carriers have started to use the airport. In 1999 the airport served 33 airlines and in 2000 this grew to 52 airlines.

Article ID: 2087