Russian Carrier Looks To Strengthen Ties In The Region

At a business roundtable meeting held Tuesday in Shenzhen, China, JSC Aeroflot - Russian Airlines discussed at strengthening the company's positions in the Asian region, developing cooperation between the aviation business communities of Russia and China, as well as generally promoting business and travel industry connections between the countries.

During the meeting Aeroflot's opportunities were presented by market experts. Alexander Lukashin, the head of Aeroflot's International PR Division, Communications Department, stressed that China is one of Aeroflot's top key markets, with Beijing & Shanghai two of the most popular routes.

Moscow, meanwhile is a convenient connection between the United States, Europe and Asia, which can save passengers up to 2 hours in-flight. Aeroflot is increasing its fleet and has formed its own new hub in Moscow Terminal D at Sheremetyevo airport which came into service in 2009.

Transit passenger traffic to and from China is Aeroflot's major network forming factor. Key transit destinations are Saint Petersburg, Rome, Athens, London, Paris, Milan, Madrid, Barcelona. Aeroflot is planning to increase flight capacity up to 17 flights a week to Beijing as the most popular Chinese route in 2015.

Nikita Krichevskiy, a member of Aeroflot's Public Council, Doctor of Science, Professor, also took part in the meeting. He specifically underlined the need to strengthen the cooperation, particularly in a period of political and economic pressure being exerted on Russia. "We should not forget about the development of business and tourism ties between our countries," Krichevskiy said. "Without a doubt, in the coming years the mutual interest of businessmen and citizens of our countries will only grow. All this will require additional efforts and from Aeroflot, and the Chinese side to meet the needs of our citizens. If we do not do this - others will do it instead."

Aeroflot is Russia's flagship carrier and one of the largest airline groups in Europe. In 2013, its 90th anniversary year, Aeroflot carried 20.9 million passengers, a record for any Russian airline.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.aeroflot.com/cms/en