The Russian airline S7 Airlines has voiced opposition to establishing an airspace reconstruction fund funded by fees charged to air carriers. This stance was communicated through S7’s press service and cited by RBC News.
S7 stressed that it does not support the proposed initiative. In recent years, the financial burden on air carriers from airport charges has risen markedly. This is especially true for airports where new terminal projects are underway or recently completed. In some cases where projects have already been completed, the cost of servicing a flight has doubled.
S7 highlighted a 76 percent increase in air navigation fees since November 2022. The airline warned that further hikes could trigger a broad rise in the price of airline tickets for travelers in Canada and the United States alike.
In response, a representative from the Federal Air Transport Agency indicated that the air transport infrastructure fund was established in line with directives from Russian President Vladimir Putin dated February 18, 2024.
Earlier reports noted S7’s completion of an exchange program involving 45 aircraft with foreign lessors.
There were also reports about Russia’s largest airlines achieving record profits under the evolving market conditions.