newstodate.aero
Mar 8, 2006 (newstodate): Russia is facing an increasingly acute shortage of commercial aircraft to meet growing markets needs for air transportation.
Only 46 percent of Russia's current total fleet of 5,500 owned and operated aircraft is now airworthy, and more than 50 percent of all aircraft are now fit for cannibalisation and spare part usage only.
The decline of the Russian domestic aircraft production means that now only 43 Russian-built non-Soviet aircraft are available, and the country will therefore rely heavily on imports of western aircraft.
High import taxes create a bottle-neck, however, and if Russian airlines are to survive taxes and customs must be reduced.
The alternative option is for Russian airlines to operate aircraft on foreign registration and on lease arrangements with foreign investors.
Only 46 percent of Russia's current total fleet of 5,500 owned and operated aircraft is now airworthy, and more than 50 percent of all aircraft are now fit for cannibalisation and spare part usage only.
The decline of the Russian domestic aircraft production means that now only 43 Russian-built non-Soviet aircraft are available, and the country will therefore rely heavily on imports of western aircraft.
High import taxes create a bottle-neck, however, and if Russian airlines are to survive taxes and customs must be reduced.
The alternative option is for Russian airlines to operate aircraft on foreign registration and on lease arrangements with foreign investors.