JUSTIN WASTNAGE / MOSCOW
Moscow operator shortlists Challenger and Falcon in anticipation of import tax changes
Russian charter operator Aviation Commercial (AvCom) has narrowed its requirement for four large jets down to two types - the Bombardier Challenger 604 and Dassault Falcon 2000 - ahead of an expected loosening of import restrictions. The Russian Business Aviation Association (RBAA) is working with the country's authorities to define exemptions to import charges at 46%, and expects a resolution before the end of the year.
AvCom general director Eugene Bakhtin says the company has been in negotiations with Bombardier and Dassault over its requirement for four medium- range jets, and aims to complete the deal by the end of the year.
"We only have enough aircraft to meet around 85% of the demand," says Bakhtin. AvCom, which has the largest business aircraft fleet in Russia, is scheduled to take delivery of a further two converted Yakovlev Yak-42 trijets by the first quarter of next year, but requires Western types for transcontinental routes, he adds.
Bakhtin, who is also RBAA president, says the association is finalising exemptions for aircraft types with no Russian-manufactured equivalents, as a compromise ahead of World Trade Organisation membership and the resultant tariff abolition in 2006.
"There is a big range of aircraft with no equal, and we hope to significantly decrease or eliminate taxes on these types," he says. The import tariffs led to all 10 large jets bought by RBAA members last year being registered outside Russia, says Bakhtin. "Everyone loses, as we cannot charter, manage or maintain the aircraft," he adds.
The RBAA has already scored several successes in negotiations with the Russian authorities, including the reduction in prior notification of flight plans from 24h to 2h for business aircraft. The RBAA is also working on a local version of US Federal Aviation Administration Part 91 operator rules for corporate aircraft. "We are trying to change the entire approach, which is totally airline-oriented," he says.
Moscow Sheremetyevo airport-based AvCom owns one Dassault Falcon 20 and two BAe 125-700/800s, and has certificated its pilots and maintenance staff to FAA/JAA requirements in anticipation of the lifting of restrictions. The operator is also evaluating Embraer Legacys and Raytheon Hawker 800XPs for future purchases.
AvCom aims to triple movements at its new fixed-base operation at Domodedovo, from 50 last month to around 150-200 by the end of the year, as business aviation in south Moscow shifts from government-operated Vnokovo-3 airport.
Source: Flight International
