In April the passenger traffic of Russian airlines decreased by 92%. This was announced by the Association of air transport operators. It is noted that the average occupation rate of passenger seats amounted to only 27%. From the published data follows that the companies are actually in the freeze mode. After the abolition of the international communication carriers had to reduce the flight program within the country. They continue to chase the empty aircraft, which requires huge expenses in terms of fuel, aircraft lease, salaries of the crew. The transportation sector is considered one of the most affected by the coronavirus, but, experts emphasize, the state allocated funds are not enough.
today almost all flights stopped. Before 1 June in most areas the tickets are not sold. Despite this, carriers have to pay fixed costs.
we Remind that on 15 April, President Putin has proposed to allocate more than 23 billion rubles for the salvation of the airlines. Meanwhile, according to estimates of industry experts, without the assistance of at least 150 billion rubles carriers will not be able to pay the aircraft lease, and to pay the salaries of the flight crew.
the Allocated funds are not enough, says head of Department of analytical researches “Higher school of financial management” Michael Kogan. “The Ministry of transport has suggested the government to consider a further delay to the airlines on payment of VAT and insurance premiums for 6 months, to impose a moratorium on service of credits and leasing payments for the same period, to allow companies not to refund money for tickets sold within two years and replace them with vouchers, to facilitate a loan on the basis of state guarantees, as well as to resolve not to pay dividends,” — said the interlocutor of “MK”.
According to experts, in varying degrees, these proposals should be met to avoid the most dramatic consequences of the mass layoffs and bankruptcy of individual companies. “Most of the stock of financial stability of carriers is formed in the starting soon the high season, emphasizes Kogan. — Due to the lack of apparent progress in stemming the pandemic COVID-19, sky for international flights will open soon”.
in Spite of that, carriers must pay the required fees. For this reason, in April-may of the leading airlines of the country raised the cost of flights between Moscow and the 15 largest cities of Russia with departure on 50-110% compared to the previous month. The company has tried though a little to compensate for their losses, which, according to the Association of air transport operators make about 500 million rubles a day.
