State Transport Company Russia + Pulkovo Airlines

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   Although the merger of STC Russia and Pulkovo Airlines has come to a final stage, experts still divide opinion about who will head the company. Meanwhile, according to the Transport Ministry, in the coming weeks it will be announced that Sergey Mikhalchenko, present General Director of STC Russia, will head the airline company.
   How will it affect the Saint Petersburg travel market? This question is of current interest not only for Saint Petersburg tour operating companies but also for their colleagues from Moscow. Moscow travel companies could not enter Saint Petersburg travel market due to the fact that Pulkovo Airlines controlled the local airport. Will appointment of Mikhalchenko change the situation to the better?
   In October 2005 Pulkovo Airport became independent from Pulkovo Airlines both financially and legally, therefore, at the moment it would be logical for it to attract new partners. However, such development of events is not in the interests of the alliance of STC Russia and Pulkovo Airlines. Experts believe, that ‘Mikhalchenko will need time to come to an understanding with the airport. Therefore, those companies that could not enter Saint Petersburg market will use the situation for their benefit. It is possible that some airlines will start charter flights from Pulkovo at the farthest next winter.