[IMG=21380-7231] Starting from December 1st tariffs of the majority of airlines for flights from Russia will be in Euros instead of dollars. The changes will refer to both foreign and national airlines, members of IATA. In particular, Aeroflot confirmed the information.
At the moment airlines use the so called IATA currency exchange rate for ticket sales that considerably exceeds Central Bank quotations. This unit is calculated once a month according to the following formula: average official dollar and Euro currency rate plus 5% rounding to 50 cents. For example, in October “aviadollar” currency rate was 32 rubles.
Travel market experts say that application of the new ratification system was engendered by inconveniency of the current practice. Elena Markina, Director Deputy of Tourbureau Moskva: ‘international airlines do not want to work upon an abstract currency rate, while other payments are made in Euros’. Intention of Airlines to increase tariffs was also pointed out as one of the reasons for the new system introduction. Post probably, nominal value will remain the same that means tickets prices will grow as soon as the new system is adopted. Aram Antonyan, General Director of Bolero-Tour, forecasted: ‘I think, ticket will increase by around 10%’.
Despite the forecasted price increase the reform has its advantages. For example, it will allow passengers to avoid misunderstanding regarding the real ticket cost. Dmitry Gorin, General Director of Inna Tour, agreed: ‘the new system will solve the problem of explaining clients that after transferring dollar equivalent of ticket price into rubles become 20% more expensive comparing to the initial sum’.
