newstodate.aero

Feb 03, 2021 (newstodate): Once again, voices are calling for Norway to secure better access to flights through Russia's Sibir air lanes.
   This time, the issue is raised by the General Manager of Sjomatbedriftene, Robert Eriksson, in an interview by a Norwegian trade media.
   Mr Eriksson has thus asked the Norwegian minister of Transportation to work for a better air services agreement between Norway and Russia to secure access by cargo flights from Northern Norway to Asia though the Sibir air lanes.
   Flights to Asia via the Transpolar routes would save significantly on flying times to Asian destination, compared to today's longer routes via Central European air space.
   For years, several attempts has been made to open up the access to the Sibir air corridors that remains strictly controlled by Russia.
    As matters stand, SAS has for over 60 years been the only designated carrier in the agreement between Russia and "Scandinavia", blurring the fact that today SAS is not alone in providing intercontinental services from Scandinavia.
   The three Scandinavian countries negotiate air services agreements and other aviation policy issues with other countries jointly, with Norway in charge of negotiations with Russia on behalf of also Denmark and Sweden.
   Russia has so far stuck to the wording of its aviation agreements with European countries, allowing for only one designated carrier from each side.  
   Only the UK and Italy have so far managed to designate more than one carrier for rights to fly over the Sibir airspace.