Passenger association warns of rising airfare

The All-Russian Association of Passengers sent a letter (Vedomosti has it) to Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, in which he pointed out the risk of a 30% rise in airfare. This may happen due to the decision of the State Transport Leasing Company (STLC) increase aircraft rental rates.

The association considers this decision to be a “bad precedent”, which may lead to higher rates for other leasing companies.

“At the same time, the share of expenses for leasing from air carriers is now about 30%. All this will inevitably accelerate the growth in the cost of air tickets and by the end of the year it may reach 30%,” the letter says.

The Association of Passengers also drew attention to the fact that STLC in its message acknowledges the increase in the cost of tickets after the change in rates, but points to the right of customers to refuse to conclude contracts.

“In a situation where large-scale serial production of domestic aircraft has not been established, and the supply of foreign equipment is not seen as possible in the short term, all this looks like blackmail from STLC“, – consider in the association.

Airlines, the letter says, will have to pledge 30% of the rate STLC in the price of a ticket, which “ordinary citizens will feel on themselves.” The association asked Mishustin to consider banning rate changes “until at least 2025-2026.” – by this date, the authors of the letter believe, the Russian aircraft industry will reach “a normal level” of aircraft production.

“This will help to contain tariffs and prevent a galloping increase in ticket prices, which will help maintain transport accessibility and high mobility of the population, including visiting regions by tourists,” the authors of the letter concluded.

July 4 newspaper “Izvestia” reportedWhat STLC began renegotiating contracts with Russian airlines, increasing the aircraft rental rate by 30%.