Russian Federation

Belarus aims to privatise Belavia in 2013, with Russian carriers the most likely suitors

Belarus and its aviation industry have come under the spotlight in recent months, not least for its air services dispute with Russia which led to the temporary suspension of all Minsk-Moscow services in late Mar-2012. Discussions regarding the privatisation of national carrier Belavia have also been occurring, with the privatisation likely in 2013 according to Belarus’ Transport Minister. Aeroflot is rumoured to be interested in purchasing the carrier, although other Russian companies are also reported to be interested.

In Apr-2012 the subject of Belavia’s potential privatisation emerged after the Belarusian Government revealed plans to convert state-owned transportation enterprises into open joint stock companies by 2015. Belarusian Transportation Minister Ivan Shcherbo confirmed Belavia was included in these plans with privatisation most likely to occur in 2013.

Aeroflot goal of 36% Russian market share by 2015 seems achievable following string of acquisitions

Russia’s largest passenger carrier Aeroflot is entering 2012 with a clear aim in sight of achieving 36% market share in Russia by 2015 and 40% market share by 2020. This goal is looking increasingly achievable as the planned takeover of more Russian regional carriers will give it a 33% share of capacity in the market.

Fleet expansion at Aeroflot is planned to ensure further increases in market share over the next several years. The flag carrier’s outlook for 2012 and beyond is also looking bright after recording strong results for the nine months ending Sep-2011.

Aeroflot initially revealed on Oct-2011 plans to increase its market share to 36.3% by 2015, 40.4% by 2020 and 45.4% by 2025. To meet these goals, Aeroflot is increasing its expenditure over the next several years. In 2012, there will be further aircraft acquisitions and network development, both internationally and domestically.

Russian network airline traffic continues to rebound, but without LCCs

Russia is becoming a serious force in aviation through the significant growth reported in both passenger and cargo transportation over the last 11 years. It is no surprise, partly considering the massive land area the Russian Federation covers, that aviation is increasingly seen as an efficient way for mass transportation of people and goods across the nation and further afield.

2009 saw the first decrease in passengers carried in the century’s first decade, with numbers declining 9.5% to 45.1 million. However starting in the following year, traffic rebounded with positive figures reported in 2010. The rebound is continuing in 2011, according to the latest traffic figures released by Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency. The figures show overall growth in both passenger and cargo volumes in the 10 months to Oct-2011, including a 12.3% year-on-year increase in passenger numbers.

This growth comes from the nation’s network carriers, with low-cost operators making hardly any noise in the market. Despite the ever-increasing demand for air travel, Russia still does not have a significant level of low-cost carrier penetration from home or foreign carriers, and the LCC sector took a step back earlier this year with the bankruptcy of Avianova.

Aviation development in Brazil, Russia, India and China: What the BRICs are building

The stars of development and promise in the first decade of the 21st Century, Brazil, Russia, India and China (collectively known as the 'BRICs') are being closely watched by economists, sociologists and political observers, seen as key indicators of the new world economic and social order. They all have large populations, abundant resources, generally stable politics and a rising standard of living, each creating a new bloc of consumers.

As has been proven over and again, air transport networks are key to development, both internally and with relation to the rest of the globe. Therefore the growth and health of this industry can be one indicator of overall progress. Looking at the BRICs, we find vastly different levels of infrastructure available to the aviation sector.