The aviation authorities of Kyrgyzstan and Russia signed a consultation protocol that seriously expands the capabilities of airlines in both countries to use common airspace and ground infrastructure (airports). The document is posted on the website of the Federal Air Transport Agency. The transport columnist for Economist.kg reviewed its contents.
On September 12, 2023, the State Civil Aviation Agency of Kyrgyzstan (SACA) and the Russian Ministry of Transport signed a protocol of consultations to the agreement between the Kyrgyz Republic and the Russian Federation on air services and cooperation in the field of air transport.
The document envisages the introduction of fifth freedom of air between Kyrgyzstan and Russia. It
allows airlines to fly between two foreign countries with an intermediate stop in a third country.
For Russia, the protocol states that its airlines will have the opportunity to fly from any city in the Russian Federation to Bishkek, Osh and Tamchy (Issyk-Kul airport) with an intermediate landing in Almaty.
In addition, Russian airlines will be able to operate flights from Bishkek, Osh and Tamchy to one of the cities in China, with the exception of Beijing, Urumqi and Tianjin, two cities in Asia and other points, the location of which is not specified in the document.
Airlines of Kyrgyzstan, in turn, will be able to fly from any airport in the Kyrgyz Republic to 25 cities in Russia, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Kazan, Krasnodar and other cities with a total number of no more than 25, with an intermediate landing in the third countries. They are also allowed to fly from the Russian Federation to any third country. Russian aviation authorities have reserved the requirement to coordinate routes for airlines of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The protocol also removes the restriction on the number of airlines operating flights between Kyrgyzstan and Russia – now any air carrier of both countries can open flights from the Kyrgyz Republic to the Russian Federation and further to third countries.
In addition, airlines will now be able to use aircraft of any capacity – the limit on the number of seats has also been lifted.
Additionally, carriers from Kyrgyzstan and Russia are allowed to enter into code-share and block-space agreements. This means that the airlines of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Russian Federation, upon concluding such agreements, will be able to sell tickets for partner flights and even operate flights jointly.
For example, a flight from Ufa to Bishkek and further to Kuala Lumpur for Avia Traffic airline will be able to be operated by Sibir (flying under the S7 brand).
Source : Economist.kg