[IMG=19121-4816]
After VIM-avia announced its plans to launch Moscow-Pisa charter flight (news/ 20.01 and 03.02) behind the scenes of air market there was the information that KrasAir planed to organize the same program. KrasAir commented on the situation as follows: ‘we negotiated launch of charter flight to Pisa by Tu-154 with travel companies, but at the moment the negotiations have resulted in nothing’, said Olga Bikova, PR Manager of KrasAir Press Service.
However, according to unaccredited sources, KrasAir sent a request to the Federal Agency of Air Transport to be licensed for flights to a range of Italian cities including Pisa. Mikhail Gribkov, Commercial Director of VIM-avia commented on the situation: ‘KrasAir simply attempts to harm its competitor, but we will find the way to work efficiently on the destination in the current situation’.
In the situation of escalating competition the balance of advantage lies with VIM-avia that unlike KrasAir has regular partners (Jet Travel, Ital Travel, Tourparade, Intourbureau Omega). Meanwhile, KrasAir having strong positions at Domodedovo Airport can lobby more convenient slots. However, if in May two charters to Pisa are launched the load is forecasted to be low as travel market is not prepared for such volume of air traffic at the moment.
