Maksim covers aerospace developments in Central Asia for Aviation Week. He has worked for Russia's Air Transport Observer magazine and was in charge of several ATO sister aerospace publications after working for the Moscow-based CAST defense think tank.
Maksim has a degree in international relations from MGIMO University, Moscow.
Avianova shut down on Oct. 10, leaving Russia without any domestic low-cost carriers and underscoring the challenge of implementing a low-fare model in a nation where the population is clustered in a few high-density regions.
Avianova's bankruptcy leaves Russia without any domestic low-cost carriers as of Oct. 10, when the carrier stops operating. Its bankruptcy also highlights the difficulty of implementing a low-fare airline business model in Russia, with its few high-density populations that can afford to fly located relatively near one another and fought over by airlines. In its official statement to the Russian aviation authorities published Oct. 5, Avianova explained that it decided to stop operating because of its deteriorating financial status.
MOSCOW — The rivalry continues between Russia’s two new combat helicopters — the Mil Mi-28 and Kamov Ka-52 — for dominance of the domestic market. Russian Helicopters, the holding company overseeing both manufacturers, says it has signed a contract with the defense ministry for delivery of “more than 140” Ka-52s for the air force. The deal is estimated to be worth 120 billion rubles ($4.1 billion). Deliveries will continue through 2020.
