Russian regions will receive $60,78 million (1,9 billion rubles) in 2012 for renewal of regional and domestic airlines’ fleet, RIA Novosti reports. It has been stated by the Deputy Minister of Transport, Valery Okulov.

Okulov has taken part in the meeting on development of air transportation at the Far East, which has taken place in Khabarovsk.

According to the plenipotentiaries, the situation at the Far East is critical, since the regional fleet is old. Around 80% of the An-24 fleet, whose age will reach 40 years, should be taken out of commission by 2015 along with 50% of Yak-40s. At that, the production of small aircraft in Russia has almost been ceased.

"The subsidies for fleet renewal of the regional airlines are stipulated in the budget for 2012, 2013 and 2014; this refers to aircraft with less than 55 seats. The amount of subsidies in 2012 is $60,78 million (1,9 billion rubles). The subsidies will be increasing and the annual amount will reach $76,77 million (2,4 billion roubles) in 2014", - said Okulov.

He also noted that these funds are intended for subsidization of 12-15% of the aircraft’s value. It is enough for making a prepayment for the aircraft and this is the sum, which is not financed by a bank during credit accommodation. The rest 85% should be co-financed by regions and airlines, which need to organize work on choosing the type of aircraft and signing respective contracts.