VIM-avia Comments Officially On Frequent Delays

[IMG=20754-6531] VIM-avia provided an official comment regarding delays of charter flights on August 17th. There are objective reasons for recent delays, representatives of the airline say. An official message sent to BANKO says: ‘in spring 2006 it was decided to create a joint venture Air Bashkortostan. At the moment despite the extended charter schedule of VIM-avia two aircraft № 73012RA and № 73015RA are being transferred to the other certificate holder that evidently affected the charter schedule. Besides, there are certain problems regarding maintenance support of foreign-manufactured aircraft – owing difficulties at the customs supply of spare parts for Boeing – 757 – 200 is delayed’. It was also outlined that the airline provides the passengers of delayed flights with meals and accommodation if necessary. Meanwhile, it is not clear at the moment whether the situation will stabilize soon. In May VIM-avia operated its flights by 7 aircraft and in June – by 10. Other 15 Boeings were in maintenance. At the end of June Roman Pakhomov, General Director of VIM-avia, said by August the whole air park including one more new Boeing would be involved in flight operation. However, it has not been realized yet considering the current situation. According to Alexander Pinchuk, PR-Director of VIM-avia, at the moment flights are operated by 12 aircraft