Flight To Be Allowed Over Moscow River Riverbed, Avoiding 'Danger' To Moscow Citizens

Russia's capital might soon allow private helicopter flights over the Moscow River riverbed, a route that the government says will reduce "danger to its citizens in unforeseen circumstances." This issue is said to be a high priority for the Russian government, according to Russian Management company Satellit Development LLC. Helicopter flights have been allowed for some time over the Neva River in St. Petersburg.

To the large extent, major commercial development projects like heliport “Heli Drive”, which is part of the “Portland” project, have been a driving force towards expansion of helicopter transportation industry. The “Portland” project covers twenty acres of land and is strategically located between Saint Petersburg Beltway and Pulkovo Airport.

“(The) Private helicopter business segment provides a growing challenge for Russia," said Vladimir Skigin, a co-owner of the Managing Company Satellit Development, LLC. "The number of high-income and well-off individuals is rapidly increasing, and in some cases, they do prefer to use helicopters. But it is even more relevant for the government emergency services like police, rescue and medical services. “Heli Drive” project puts huge emphases on closely with those organizations.”

Skigin welcomes this initiative from Moscow Government. “Helicopter flights are an essential part of the transportation infrastructure in almost all the world’s large capitals. Moscow is, no doubt, worth to be ranked together with these advanced cities," he said. "And hopefully in the future, it’ll be possible to even surpass their level of inner city air service transportation."

FMI: www.ruaviation.com/dir/info/6/