Minimal number of aircraft for allowance to perform regional flights for Russian airlines will remain the same - 3, for allowance to perform long-distance flights – at least 10, ITAR-TASS reports. It has been reported today at the meeting of presidium of RF government by the Minister of Transport, Igor Levitin. He told the Premier about changes in the licensing regulations for air transportation, which set the minimum number of aircraft necessary for performing flights.

"It is not about just the number of aircraft, every airline should have simulators for pilot training and there should be a whole list of requirements", - Putin interrupted Levitin, adding that "if the airline with one aircraft is able to meet these requirements, then let it fly". Putin also added that the flight safety requirements must be rigorous.

Levitin answered back that the number of aircraft is also necessary since the airline must have reserve aircraft. "That is why we have taken a decision that an airline must have at least 10 aircraft if it flies a large aircraft with 55 or more seats", - said Levitin. "We are not increasing the minimum number, but the requirements for personnel and aircraft will be the same for every airline", - the minister underlined.