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Jun 10, 2009 (newstodate): Once the largest cargo airport in the Baltic region, Lithuania's Kaunas Airport now sees practically no cargo at all.
Kaunas Airport was earlier the leading transfer airport of ex-China exports to Russia, but after the EU noise ban on IL-76 operations, enforced from 2004, volumes fell from annual levels around 10,000 tonnes.
For Kaunas Airport the situation was further complicated by lack of cooperation with the country's customs authorities concerning smooth transfer procedures.
In December, 2008, Kaunas Airport therefore urged negotiations with the Lithuanian government's transport ministry to solve the issues.
-We have been met with a very positive approach by the new minister, and we are convinced that we will now be supported in any effort to regain the cargo volumes lost, says Arijandas Sliupas, Kaunas Airport general director.
-That is, if there is any ex-China Russian cargo imports left! This traffic has come to an almost full stop there days due to the economic situation in Russia. Only small volumes are left, and these shipments are mainly arriving at Frankfurt Hahn Airport these days.
-We are, however, in discussion with some interested parties and have not given up hope for retrieving at least some of the ex-China transfer traffic to the Russian market, says Mr Sliupas.
Kaunas Airport was earlier the leading transfer airport of ex-China exports to Russia, but after the EU noise ban on IL-76 operations, enforced from 2004, volumes fell from annual levels around 10,000 tonnes.
For Kaunas Airport the situation was further complicated by lack of cooperation with the country's customs authorities concerning smooth transfer procedures.
In December, 2008, Kaunas Airport therefore urged negotiations with the Lithuanian government's transport ministry to solve the issues.
-We have been met with a very positive approach by the new minister, and we are convinced that we will now be supported in any effort to regain the cargo volumes lost, says Arijandas Sliupas, Kaunas Airport general director.
-That is, if there is any ex-China Russian cargo imports left! This traffic has come to an almost full stop there days due to the economic situation in Russia. Only small volumes are left, and these shipments are mainly arriving at Frankfurt Hahn Airport these days.
-We are, however, in discussion with some interested parties and have not given up hope for retrieving at least some of the ex-China transfer traffic to the Russian market, says Mr Sliupas.