EU-RUSSIA AVIATION SUMMIT - REPORT - ST. PETERSBURG:  As the EU-Russia Aviation Summit kicks off yesteray in St Petersburg, airports on both sides called for swift and decisive action to integrate the Russian aviation market with the rest of Europe.

Εuropean airport trade body ACI Europe denounced the lack of progress in normalising aviation relations between the EU and Russia. Both parties had agreed in 2006 to a joint Action Plan, which should have led to liberalisation of market access, enhanced cooperation on safety and security as well as infrastructure modernisation. Its implementation was subject to Russia eliminating abusive unilateral taxes levied on foreign airlines for Siberian over-flights. However, the inability of Russia to deliver on its commitment to do so has since prevented progress.

Addressing the Summit, Olivier Jankovec, Director General ACI Europe commented “Not only has the Siberian over-flight issue not been resolved, but red tape and unnecessary restrictions on aviation have actually increased in Russia. The latest example is the imposition of border control measures at airports for crews of foreign aircraft - which are in breach of well-established ICAO standards.” 

ACI Europe has repeatedly called for the restrictive bilateral aviation agreements between Russia and individual EU Member States to be replaced by a single EU-Russia aviation agreement liberalising air traffic and doing away with any form of discrimination.

The present situation is at odds with each party’s relevance to the other in terms of trade - not to mention the dynamics of their aviation market. Passenger traffic between the EU and Russia has experienced a 45% growth over the last 5 years. With increased consumer spending in Russia driving up demand for outbound travel, the potential for further growth is considerable. Demand for air services between Russia and the EU is expected to triple by 2020.

Jankovec added “Russia is eager to extend its outreach and showcase global ambitions, as shown by its hosting of the 2014 Winter Olympics. Yet, for the sake of vested interests, it is holding back the development of the industry that plays a major role in all that: aviation. A fully liberalised and non-discriminatory EU-Russia aviation regime would provide Russian airports with new business opportunities and facilitate their modernisation. It would unlock their potential to foster economic development throughout the country.”

Expanding Europe's Aviation Market 2011