Routes CIS Makes a Strong Start

The airline tables were looking busy yesterday (Tuesday) as more discussions were held in Kharkov's brand new terminal at Routes' first ever event for the CIS region.

Among the delegates speaking of the opportunities for more air services in Ukraine, was airBaltic's Manuel Esu, network development. The carrier has recently increased services from the Baltic capitals by working with local partners, including AeroSvit, Windrose, Donbassaero and Estonian Air.

A strategy forum followed in the afternoon, themed "co-operation between airlines and airports", beginning with a presentation from Simon McNamara, general manager infrastructure & environment, European Airline Association (ERA). "Only recently have airports become more competitive that their relationship [with airlines] has changed," he said, citing the worst period in air travel in 2009 as a reason why both parties are focusing back on the importance of working relationships. He is also looking to add new CIS carriers to its list of 65 members.

Yuliya Crane, research & analyst manager, airport strategy & marketing (ASM) also spoke of the vastness the CIS region, with over 400 airports and 180 active airlines operating there and the opportunitites for air service development, but warned that starting up new international routes here is becoming a greater challenge, with tight controls often stipulating that an airline operates domestically for a certain number of years before it can move international.

Stanislav Zeman, aviation business, marketing & product management, executive director, Prague Airport spoke of the bilateral restrictions preventing the opening of new destinations and frequencies between the CIS and Prague. The airport currently has nine airlines flying to points in the CIS and is adding more services in the summer timeable. He also highlighted the airport's proactive approach in working with airlines through campaign investment and through working closely with the Czech Tourism Board. Currently 5% of its departure taxes are being used on co-branding exercises to promote the airport and airline, he said.

Watch our video interviews with Russian and foreign carriers attending the event, in this week's Hub newsletter.

Reporter: Louise Driscoll

Kharkov, Ukraine