PAUL DUFFY / MOSCOW
SkyNet, a new Irish company with Irish and US shareholders, expects to begin operations in April for Russian national carrier Aeroflot from Shannon, Ireland.
The airline will start with two Boeing 737-400s on routes linking Dublin and Shannon to Moscow via European cities. These will operate under its own codes, but in a commercial franchise with Aeroflot. Arrangements are being finalised, and some sectors may share codes.
Two more 737-400s are likely to be operated in Aeroflot colours to European and Mediterranean destinations on inclusive tour programmes if plans are finalised in time for the Summer 2002 season.
At first, Aeroflot was looking for a part ownership of the airline, but decided that the franchise arrangement, now possible under Russian law, would have more advantages.
The airline plans a full service operation with a lower cost base than national carriers. An application for an air operators' certificate (AOC) is currently being processed by the Irish Aviation Authority.
Although the airline has been planned for some time, management says that the current difficulties on the world market have given it the opportunity to benefit from lower prices and some marketing discounts.
The downturn has already had the effect of making well-qualified staff available for the new operator.
Source: Flight International
