Czech Republic to open airline in Vitebsk

VITEBSK, 27 June (BelTA) – An agreement to set up an airline at the Vitebsk airport will be signed with the Czech investor in the near future, BelTA learnt from Chairman of the Vitebsk oblast executive committee Alexander Kosinets. The Czech company PDW-group s.r.o. is ready to invest ?50 million into a small aircrafts company and associated infrastructure. The governor confirmed the interest of the region in the contract. In his words, allegations that a new airline might become a Belavia competitor are groundless. “The Czech investor intends to develop business aviation, provide maintenance services to private planes,” he said. The governor views the contract as important for enhancing the investment image of the region. The Vitebsk airport is a subsidiary of the state-owned enterprises Belaeronavigatsiya. It is located 10km away from the regional center. Currently it services charter flights, refuels aircraft, and provides business aviation services. In 2010, the airport provided air navigation services to 1,121 aircraft. In 2010 the airport earned more than Br5 billion, up 200% over 2009. Export of services last year was up 66%. In Q1 this year, the company provided air navigation services to 235 aircraft, which is 11.4% more than during the same period of 2010. Revenues from sales of services in Q1 amounted to more than Br1 billion.

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