Transport Ministry to continue reduction in number of airlines

The Russian Transport Ministry will continue the strategy aimed at the reduction of the number of domestic airline companies, Transport Minister Sergey Frank announced at a press conference today. The number of airlines will be reduced to an economically rational figure. The minister explained that the government could not reduce the number of market participants by a command but it would promote the consolidation of the airline sector by toughening technical requirements for airlines. As a result, large companies will pay more attention to upgrading their aircraft fleet, improving security and the quality of services. Other airlines will have to merge with more successful companies or close down.