Alexander Velovich and Paul Duffy/MOSCOW
The two-year-old alliance between Aeroflot Russian International Airlines and Transaero has ended, following a Moscow court ruling that Aeroflot must pay Transaero R3 million ($176,000) as a balance of mutual financial claims by the two airlines.
In early September, Aeroflot officially informed Transaero of the termination of their agreement on joint commercial activities from 6 October and on mutual clearing payments from 6 December. On 14 September, Aeroflot filed a claim in court against Transaero for R14.9 million due for maintenance services of Transaero's Ilyushin Il-86, and a week later for another R4.6 million. In addition, Aeroflot demanded that Transaero's bank accounts be frozen. Transaero replied with a counterclaim for R15.2 million.
The court hearings have been seen as reflecting the attempts by several companies connected with financial magnate Boris Berezovsky to take control of Transaero. Berezovsky's alleged associates also hold several posts in Aeroflot senior management.
Aeroflot's split from Transaero will provide opportunities for the country's regional carriers to link with the competing Moscow-based airlines. Aeroflot general director Valery Okulkov says that the airline will continue to develop co-operation with other Russian carriers, citing Krasnoyarsk Airlines and Pulkovo Airlines as successful examples. Okulov says that Donavia, Samara and Ural Airlines have also shown interest in joint commercial activities.
Meanwhile, Transaero is attempting to expand the more lucrative international operations around its smaller restructured fleet, which includes five Boeing 737-200s, two 737-700s, one 767-300ER (which is operated to Los Angeles) and a single Il-86. The airline has now been cleared to operate direct services between Moscow and London (eliminating the Riair service via Riga) and Latvia, and is looking to serve destinations in Germany.
Source: Flight International
