LOT airlines seeks to increase number of Siberian overflights
PR dla Zagranicy
Paweł Kononczuk
25.08.2016 08:30
Poland will hold talks with Russia aiming to negotiate an increase in the number of flights allowed over Siberia, crucial if national carrier LOT Polish Airlines is to continue adding new Asian destinations.
Photo: pixabay.com
Piotr Samson, the acting president of Poland’s Civil Aviation Authority, announced that the talks would begin in September and on the Polish side would involve the Civil Aviation Authority, LOT Airlines and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Samson said: “In two weeks’ time we will conduct talks with Russia about overflight of Siberia by LOT planes. LOT wants to increase the amount of flights over Siberia.”
Flying over Siberia significantly reduces journey times between Europe and Asia, and is a popular route for European airlines.
However, clearance must first be gained from the Russian authorities, which levy a fee on every such flight.
LOT is seeking to expand the number of long-haul routes to Asia, hoping to transform Warsaw into a transit hub between Central Europe and Asia.
This year a new route was opened to Tokyo, while flights to Seoul will start in October.
LOT’s five-year plan envisages carrying over 10 million passengers in 2020, up from the 5.5 million forecast this year. (sl/pk)
Source: PAP