The Russian Federation is ready to sell the government’s stake of Aeroflot – Russian Airlines in the next five years, Finmarket reports. 

The intention of selling shares in the airline and other large companies is stated in the report made under the guidance of first vice-premier, Igor Shuvalov, in accordance with the president’s instruction. 

The government believes that it is reasonable to keep Aeroflot’s status as the “national carrier”. 

At present the state owns 51,17% of Aeroflot’s shares. CEO of the airline, Vitaly Savelyev, said earlier that the government’s stake should be sold in a few stages. According to him, the value of the company will increase after integration of Russian Technologies’ assets, which will be transferred to Aeroflot.