The State Transport Leasing Company may start leasing aircraft to the regional aviation by the end of this year. It is first of all referred to the new Аn-148 and SSJ-100 liners, Izvestiya reports. These aircraft are intended for replacement of ageing Аn-24s and Тu-134s, whose flights will be prohibited by the authorities since January 1st.
The massive replacement of Russia’s fleet, which is one of the world’s oldest ones, will be required in 2012–2015, says the Business Development Director of the State Transport Leasing Company (STLC), Vladimir Dobrovolsky. "We are now considering the possibility of entering the aircraft leasing market in the segment of regional aviation, understanding the possible relevance of this segment’s development for the state", — he explained.
According to a source, the possible STLC’s aviation leasing market entry has been considered during one of the Federal Air Transport Agency’s meetings; however, no decisions have been taken.
But this problem is really relevant. A new player should help the state solve the problem of regional airlines’ fleet renewal quickly and efficiently, says the source familiar with the situation. The state company has all the possibilities for provision of more profitable leasing conditions. For example, it may increase the subsidies on interests above the regular ones.
It is also intended that STLC will be able to deliver the foreign regional aircraft, but only in the segments without Russian analogues (50-seated aircraft and smaller ones).
According to the source, the primary objective of STLC is provision of support to the carriers, but not to the manufacturers as in the case of Ilyushin Finance & Co (IFC). In addition, as against IFC, which has some private shareholders, the STLC will get over the contradictions between airlines and airframers easier with the help of UAC.
Ministry of Transport has confirmed that the STLC’s aviation leasing market entry has been discussed, but no decisions have been taken yet.
According to Vladimir Dobrovolsky, the company is analyzing the market, assessing the possible risks and prospects at the moment.











