The European Union Dictate Terms

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   The BANKO IS received information from several sources in Cyprus about local aviation authorities allegedly planning to ban flights to Cyprus by IL-type aircraft in order to meet the EU standards. We remind you that the main flaw of this aircraft according to European experts is the noise produced and the lack of a range of technical systems.
   Meanwhile, at the moment only S7 Airlines operate flights from Moscow to Larnaka by IL-86. According to Cyprus travel market players the right to use IL-type aircraft expires on April 23rd. However, after negotiations with Cyprus aviation authorities S7 prolonged the contract until the end of the season 2006. ‘I am afraid that they will finally ban operating flights by IL-type aircraft’, stated Panicos Attas, Group Sales and Marketing Manager of Leptos Calypso Hotels.
   You may recall from earlier news bulletins (news as of 14.04) that Luzhniki-tour consolidates S7 flights. However, the director of the company was not available for comments. Meanwhile, S7 Airlines express optimism towards the development of events. ‘We will realize flights to Cyprus in May, in summer and next year. Starting from May 17th we intend to realize two flights per week. We have all the necessary sanctions for flights by IL-86 aircraft from Cyprus aviation authorities’, pointed out General Director Deputy in PR of S7Group, Igor Volkov.
   Furthermore, Cyprus travel market players are interested in positive decision towards flights by 350-seat aircraft. ‘Our Government will negotiate this problem with the European Union. We will probably be granted permission until the end of 2006’, hopes Lakis Avraamides, Marketing Manager of Agia-Napa – Protas Hotel Association.