Russian airlines: Noise and tax frustrations

摘要

Russian passengers numbered 25.1m in 2001, a growth of 14.8% compared to 2000, and the first eleven months of 2002 showed a growth of 5.5%. The implementation of ICAO Chapter 3 noise rules by the EC in April closed European airspace to many Russian aircraft (an exemption was granted to allow holiday charters to operate into Greece; a second exemption was granted until the end of 2002 for Pulkovo Airlines to fly to Germany). The top five passenger carriers accounted for over 51% of all Russian passengers in 2001. With few Russian Chapter 3 aircraft available, 44% import duties and VAT charged on imported aircraft, many operations to Western Europe had to be closed, thus damaging the revenues, employment and financial capability for fleet replacement.