KRASAIR, THE Krasnoyarsk-based Russian airline, has taken delivery of the first of two McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30s. It will become the first Russian operator to fly a US-registered aircraft into the USA when it begins operating the tri-jet from Moscow to Los Angeles and New York later in 1995.
The aircraft has been in storage at Phoenix Sky Harbour Airport in Arizona for several months, while financial arrangements were finalised for the lease. A second DC-10-30 is expected to join the KrasAir fleet before October.
The aircraft will be initially flown on internal routes such as Krasnoyarsk to Moscow, as well as some charter flights, before beginning scheduled international services.
Air France has signed a five-year maintenance contract on the aircraft, including A and C checks and engine overhauls.
The airline now operates around 50 Russian-built aircraft. It is 51% owned by the city government of Krasnoyarsk, with 44% held by airline employees and the balance by an investment fund.
Source: Flight International
