None of airplanes produced in Russia will be able to fly to Europe in 2006

In 2006 "absolutely all major airplanes produced in Russia", including those of the last generation, will be "locked", in the Russian air space, not permitted to fly over Europe, said Russian deputy transport minister Boris Novoseltsev, when speaking on Monday at the Council of Federation round table devoted to improving transport legislation.

70 per cent of airplanes used in Russia are not allowed to fly to the European countries since April 1, 2002, according to the EU decision, he recalled.

The Russian government is determined to achieve modernization of Russian aircraft so as to make at least 70-80 per cent of airplanes meet international standards, Novoseltsev stressed.

Right now the Russian government is studying the possibility of producing of an An-140 airplane in line with international standards, together with Ukraine, he added.

Purchase of foreign airplanes is also possible, the minister said.