VLADIMIR KARNOZOV / MOSCOW
Aeroflot Russian Airlines is aiming to double annual passenger numbers by 2013 to around 12 million, as it begins its fleet renewal programme.
General director Valery Okulov says: "The country's business is growing, with the increasing mobility of the population." He says the key to achieving 25% growth from 2007-8 is to build the planned new international terminal at Moscow Sheremetyevo airport, which will enable Aeroflot to become a "full-scale network operator". He adds the airline will then look to attract more transit passengers to travel from Europe to Asia by the shortest routes, which are across Siberia.
The fleet renewal began last week, with delivery of an Airbus A319 - the first of 18 A320 family aircraft it is taking. Ten will be leased from GE Capital Aviation Services, and the other eight will come directly from the manufacturer.
The airline is also taking nine Boeing 767-300ERs, and has started final negotiations to acquire six Aviadvigatel PS-90-powered Ilyushin Il-96-300 widebodies from Ilyushin-Finance on 15-year leases.
Source: Flight International
