ROUTES CIS: UTair and Transaero Deepen Business Cooperation

Russian carriers UTair Aviation and Transaero Airlines have signed an agreement to introduce a strategic cooperation between the companies in the domestic and international passenger markets and to support their cargo activities. The arrangement will leverage on the route networks of both airlines from Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow and adds to an existing arrangement on transfer connections.

Both parties will consider signing interline agreements, a special pro-rate agreement, code-share agreements and a re-protection agreement as part of the cooperation. They will also consider a plan to synchronise their flight schedules and frequency in order to achieve the most convenient flight connections at airports and also merge frequent flyer programs. Furthermore, an initiative will be launched to guarantee maximum comfort during passenger transfer between the flights of both airlines in the airports they serve.

“UTair Aviation operates more than 100 flights daily covering more than 90% of Russian territory, while Transaero Airlines intensively develops international air operations from Vnukovo,” said UTair Chief Executive Officer, Andrey Martirosov. “The route networks of both airlines should logically complement one another to offer passengers broad opportunities to make easier, faster and more comfortable connections.”

“We consider this agreement as consecutive development of the mutually beneficial cooperation with UTair and Vnukovo Airport. In December 2012 our airlines signed an agreement on transfer connections and through fares via Vnukovo Airport that has proved to be highly efficient,” added Olga Pleshakova, Chief Executive Officer, Transaero Airlines. “Establishing strategic partnership relations between Transaero and UTair is a very important step that addresses the interests of millions of passengers, and will undoubtedly contribute to the development of civil aviation in Russia as a whole".

The strengthening ties between the two airlines could lead to a changing dynamic within the domestic and international markets in Russia. In the tables below we highlight the largest operators in these two segments in 2012 by seat capacity, data which clearly illustrates the strength of the partnership, particularly in the domestic market.