The authorities of Chukotka have approved the discount rate for regional transportation for the local people to the amount of one thousand rubles per ticket, which is much lower than economically feasible rate ranging from $140 to $1500 depending on the flight distance, RIA Novosti reports. A representative of governor’s administration and local government has told about this fact.

According to him, the difference between discount and economically feasible rates will be sponsored using funds from the regional budget. It is planned to allocate  $4,32 mln in 2011 for these needs.

"The discounted rate on passenger transportation using Mi-8 helicopters carried out by Chukotavia, in accordance with regional government’s statement will be $36. This rate will be active for more than 30 regional routes forming part of this program and connecting Anadyr with different population clusters", - the source reported.

He also added that the local authorities have approved a rate for transportation using route Anadyr – Okruzhnoy airport and back using helicopters. The ticket’s cost will be $93 and it is equal to ticket’s net cost.

The special feature of route from Anadyr to Okruzhnoy is its short length (about 20 km) and its work seasonality. The necessity of flights on this route arises only in spring and autumn, since in summer the transportation is carried out using launches and in winter the ice is being used as a road.

The sponsorship of passenger transportation using the domestic airlines, performed by Chukotavia, is provided by Chukchi region’s government annually with a purpose of allowing local people to use the air transportation.