Russian airline falters

Aeroflot’s new low-cost (LCC) subsidiary Dobrolet suspended flights 4 August due to sanctions imposed by the European Union (EU).  The new LCC began operations 10 June with Moscow – Simferopol services. 

“The lease contract and agreements on Dobrolet Airlines’ technical maintenance, insurance and air navigation information exchanges have been annulled,” Russia’s Interfax news agency reported, quoting the carrier.  “On conditions of unprecedented pressure coming from European service suppliers.”

Dobrolet is compelled to suspend flights and ticket sales,” it said.  Reports also say that the airline has within the last few days signed a contract with Boeing for 16 737s although this has not been confirmed by Seattle.

The current fleet comprises two Boeing 737-800s and one Sukhoi Superjet 100.  Dobrolet had planned to increase its fleet to up to eight aircraft by the year end.

In a retaliatory measure Russia has withdrawn airspace rights for Ukrainian airlines, which means that the planned Wizz Air Kiev – Moscow service will not start. (See BTN 4 August)

Index/Home page
 

OUR READERS' FINEST WORDS (All times and dates are GMT)

All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 100 words maximum